“Distance from religion does not cause depression,” says Saheefa Jabbar

Model and actress Saheefa Jabbar Khattak, a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, opened up about a period of battling severe depression. 

During this time, she used to take "up to 30 pills a day, and her heart rate dropped dangerously".

Khattak appeared in a podcast recently and once again opened up about mental health issues, admitting that she used to have severe episodes of panic attacks.

"I am not going to lie that I do not have mental health issues. Do people with cancer lie about having the disease? They openly talk about undergoing chemotherapy, don't they?" she stressed on open discussion on mental well-being. 

"I've been battling depression since 2013, and I experienced severe panic attacks for 5 to 6 years. It felt like I had anger issues, especially when things didn't go my way. Then I realised I have such positive in-laws, I am independent at a young age, and my parents and husband are also supportive. So, what could the problem be?” the "Rafta Rafta" actor shared.

Saheefa revealed that she only recently, within the past four years, learned she was suffering from depression. This came to light as she discovered a family history of the condition, with both her aunt and uncle having also battled depression.

She recounted an incident where she experienced a severe depressive episode. She called her mother in the early morning, who lived abroad, and pleaded her, "If you don't want your daughter to jump from the sixth floor, you need to come to Pakistan immediately."

Her mother, deeply concerned, arrived the next day. Upon witnessing Saheefa's condition, her mother also became unwell. After a few days, Saheefa's father was contacted and informed that if he didn't come to Pakistan, both his wife and daughter were at risk of suicide.

In moments of despair, her mother and friends would encourage her to find solace in prayer, however, she maintained, “I read the Quran and prayed Tahajjud but the depression did not go."

The versatile model clarified that she is “not blaming religion,” but rather the misconception that “depression stems from a lack of religious devotion,” statingt that it is a disease that needs treatment.

She credited her husband's unwavering support as a key factor in her recovery from depression. 

"He has been instrumental in my healing," the "Log Kya Kahengey" actor said.

She expressed regret for putting her family through the ordeal due to her condition.

Despite ongoing challenges, Saheefa shared that her mental health has improved compared to the past while emphasising that overcoming depression is a gradual process.