Renowned actress Mahira Khan has bravely opened up about her battle with bipolar disorder, shedding light on her journey of mental health struggles.
Mahira, celebrated for her remarkable performances in both Pakistani and Indian entertainment, notably her role opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the movie “Raees,” recently shared her experiences with mental illness. She candidly discussed how her symptoms worsened when she temporarily halted her medication last year, with the criticism she faced after “Raees” being a significant trigger.
During that challenging period, Mahira admitted, “I ended up in a psychiatrist’s office, and she said, ‘We’ll talk about everything later, but I need you to know that you have manic depression.'” Although it took her several years to speak openly about it, Mahira has been grappling with this condition for around six to seven years, during which she has been on antidepressants.
Mahira acknowledged her resilience but emphasized that it wasn’t enough to overcome the hurdles posed by her condition. She recounted instances when she had to make repeated hospital visits.
Despite experiencing highs and lows like anyone else, Mahira underscored that clinical depression is a genuine disorder, part of which she believes may be inherited. She vividly described her lowest point after temporarily discontinuing her medication: “Last year, I was really struggling. I was bedridden… I remember very well that I couldn’t even muster the strength to get out of bed and go to the bathroom.”
Resuming her medication, however, marked a significant turning point. “Oh my god, I feel like I can smile, feel lighter,” she thought upon resuming her treatment.
Mahira Khan expressed deep gratitude for the support she received from her therapist, family, and friends throughout her journey. She also mentioned a close friend who exhibited exceptional empathy despite not having personally experienced her struggles.
