Mahira Khan Reveals Battle with Manic Depression and the Impact of Viral Smoking Controversy
In a recent interview with the FWhy Podcast, Mahira Khan, best known for her role opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the film ‘Raees’, opened up about her personal struggle with manic depression. The actress reflected on the difficulties she faced after her pictures of smoking with Ranbir Kapoor went viral on the internet back in 2017. The immense backlash she received during that time took a toll on her mental health, exacerbating her anxiety and depression.
Recalling the period, Mahira Khan shared, That (backlash) brought out the anxiety and depression hidden inside me. That was a hard time for me. I felt attacked. The constant backlash… You are getting mean tweets, and comments on their channels (Indian channels). That was a time my faith broke and I developed severe anxiety to the point that one day I had a panic attack and fainted. This incident led her to seek therapy, but unfortunately, it didn’t prove successful as she visited multiple therapists that year without finding relief.
Feeling desperate for help, the actress sought the expertise of a psychiatrist. Reflecting on their conversation, she revealed, She told me ‘We’ll talk about everything later, but I need you to know that you have manic depression’. This is the first time I’m saying that, I don’t know if I should. It’s been six-seven years, I’ve been on anti-depressants. I tried leaving them in the middle, and I went into a very, very dark space. Mahira’s willingness to share her experience sheds light on the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues and seeking professional help.
Furthermore, Mahira Khan touched upon how other external factors, such as the 2016 Uri attacks and the controversy surrounding ‘Raees’, affected her mental well-being. It is evident that the combination of public scrutiny and personal challenges took a toll on the actress, ultimately leading her to prioritize her mental health.
Mahira Khan’s candid admission about her battle with manic depression serves as a reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of their success or public image. Her openness about seeking therapy and taking medication highlights the importance of professional help in managing such conditions. By sharing her story, she hopes to break the stigma surrounding mental health conversations and encourages others to prioritize their well-being.
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