- Mahira Khan openly discussed her mental health struggles on Frieha Altaf’s podcast, including challenges after entering Bollywood and facing online backlash.
- She detailed the anxiety and depression she experienced due to the negative attention, which even led to panic attacks and fainting, prompting her to seek therapy.
- Mahira revealed her diagnosis of manic depression, her reliance on antidepressants for several years, and her mission to destigmatize mental health discussions, encouraging others to seek help without shame.
Celebrity Mahira Khan appeared on Frieha Altaf’s podcast ‘FWhy’, where she candidly discussed her journey in confronting her mental health challenges.
This became especially pertinent after she entered Bollywood with the film ‘Raees,’ co-starring Shah Rukh Khan. She also addressed the incident from 2017 when photographs of her smoking alongside Ranbir Kapoor surfaced online.
Furthermore, she delved into the impact of the 2016 Uri attack, which led to a ban on Pakistani actors working in the Bollywood industry.
Looking back on that period, the actress disclosed that she encountered a significant wave of criticism, labelling it as “unforeseen.” Mahira Khan recounted receiving unsettling phone calls and hurtful messages, to the extent that she was unable to travel to India for the promotion of ‘Raees.’
This heartrending situation gave rise to feelings of anxiety and depression. The star of ‘Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay’ shared how she found herself perpetually confronted with her image on television screens, bombarded by messages of hate urging her departure from India. This ordeal escalated to the point of shattering her resolve.
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Mahira Khan Opens Up About Her Own Mental Health Challenges
Mahira revealed, “I experienced intense anxiety to the extent that I underwent a panic attack that caused me to faint. That marked the moment when I sought therapy for the first time.”
“However, that avenue didn’t yield the desired results, as I consulted multiple therapists. Either I struggled to open up, or the therapists, facing me, seemed taken aback, possibly pondering ‘What could she possibly have to be distressed about?'”
The release of ‘Raees’ coincided with the debut of Mahira’s Pakistani film ‘Verna’ in 2017, concurrent with the photo scandal.
“I grappled with insomnia, and my hands trembled,” confessed the actress renowned for ‘Bin Roye.’
Eventually, Mahira Khan found herself visiting a psychiatric institution, where she was diagnosed with manic depression. She disclosed that she has been relying on antidepressants for the past six to seven years. An attempt to discontinue medication halfway led her into a profound abyss.
“I recognized that there exists something beyond my efforts. Beyond the prayers I offer, beyond the encouragement from friends, and professional accomplishments. There is an underlying issue, and it’s acceptable.”
The ‘Superstar’ actress expressed her aspiration that, by openly discussing her struggles with mental health and dismantling the associated stigma, others would feel empowered to seek assistance rather than facing it with disgrace.
“I seize every opportunity to converse about this matter. This marks the first instance where I’ve divulged my prolonged use of medication. When I attempted to cease its usage, as I mentioned, the experience was arduous… I found myself once more in and out of medical facilities, seeking aid. It’s important to acknowledge that everyone encounters highs and lows, challenging times and moments of happiness. However, clinical depression is as genuine as any other form of mental or physical ailment.”
Watch Mahira Khan ‘s Podcast Clip Below
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