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Over the last couple of years, the conversation on depression and anxiety has opened up in India like never before. Many celebrities have found it in themselves to open up about their struggles with the often misconstrued illnesses. And this reminds us that while all the glitz and glam of the industry can be alluring, it comes with its own fair share of troubles.
The latest in line to open up about her battle with the mentally crippling diseases is Dangal actress Zaira Wasim.
The 17-year-old took to her social media accounts today to share her struggles with depression and anxiety. She began the long and poignant post as such:
“I’m writing this to (finally) admit and confess that I, for a very long time have been suffering from severe anxiety and depression.
It’s almost been 4 years and I’ve always been embarrassed and scared to admit it not only because of the stigma that goes around with the word DEPRESSION, but most importantly because of always being told that *You’re too young to be depressed* or *It’s just a phase*”
The Secret Superstar goes on to say how it could’ve just been a ‘phase’, but how she had found herself in situations she had never chosen to be in.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BikKHcEgtBV/?tagged=zairawasim
She continues as follows:
“Popping 5 antidepressants everyday, anxiety attacks, being rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night, feeling empty, restless, anxious, hallucinations, having sore limbs from sleeping too much to not being able to sleep for weeks, from overeating to starving myself, unexplained fatigue, body ache, self-loathing, nervous breakdowns, suicidal thoughts were all parts of this PHASE.
I knew that something wasn’t right with me, I sensed it could be DEPRESSION. I still remember my first panic attack at the age of 12, the other one at 14 and now all I remember is losing count of the number of panic attacks, losing count of the number of medicines I’ve had and I’m still having, losing count of the number of times I have been told- “It’s nothing, you’re too young to be depressed.”
But I could never actually accept the fact that I suffer from a disorder called DEPRESSION- that affects almost 350 million people worldwide; without asking for their permission to ruin their mental and emotional state or asking them their age.
I was always pushed into the bubble of denial, despite knowing the reality and I would always lie to myself and others and just shake my head in yes when they would say – It’s nothing, you’re too young to be depressed, I would just lie to myself and call the doctors crazy.”
She reveals that it has been four and half years since she was first diagnosed with the disorders. Zaira further adds that today, she is finally ready to understand her illness and embrace the reality without being ashamed, embarrassed and fearing being judged for it.
Thanking her family for their support and patience, Zaira ends her post as such:
“I just need a complete break from everything, my social life, my work, school and especially social media. I’m really looking forward to the holy month of Ramadhan as it may be the perfect opportunity to figure things out.”
I cannot begin to fathom the immense strength it must’ve taken this girl to open up about this on such a public scale. Speaking up about depression and anxiety to even our closest friends and family requires an infinite amount of energy and resolve. We hope the talented Zaira holds on to this strength through her battle with these disorders. Praying to see you well and healthy on the other side soon Zaira, good luck!
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