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Journalism of Courage
Pakistani actor Mahira Khan, best known to Indian audiences for her role opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees (2017), once spoke candidly about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and her long battle with mental illness. Speaking on the FWhy podcast, she revealed that it had been around six or seven years since her diagnosis, and that she was on medication at the time.
Mahira shared that her symptoms worsened after the ban on Pakistani artists following the 2016 Uri attack. “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’. This is the first time I’m saying that, and I don’t know if I should. It’s been six-seven years, I’ve been on antidepressants. I tried leaving them in the middle, and I went into a very, very dark space,” she said.
She described that period as one of her lowest points, recounting, “Last year, I was bad, I was in bed… I remember very well that I couldn’t even get up from my bed to go to the bathroom. I was that bad, it was that dark. I remember praying, ‘I promise you Allah, if you show me even this much hope or light, I will take it and I will run with it.’ And when he did, and when I went back on my medicines, I woke up feeling like, ‘Oh my god, I feel like I can smile, feel lighter’.”
While she said she’s inherently a “very hopeful person”, Mahira also acknowledged that “clinical depression is real” and that while triggers like public backlash worsened her mental state, genetics played a role, too.
Even when she was struggling internally, she said, “Even in my darkest, worst moments, I never project it. It’s all inside me, mere andar tabahi mach rahi hai, but…”
She credited her friends, family, therapist, and partner for supporting her through the hardest moments, adding that she felt grateful for the “glimmer of hope” she could sense, and wanted others to know they are not alone.
Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, “Abruptly stopping antidepressants can cause significant psychological and neurological distress. These medicines alter brain chemistry, particularly neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which regulate mood and emotional stability. When stopped suddenly, the brain struggles to rebalance itself, leading to symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, low mood, insomnia, and even suicidal thoughts — often referred to as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.”
Psychologically, she adds that individuals may feel as though they are “relapsing,” which can intensify feelings of helplessness or fear. It’s crucial to understand that this reaction doesn’t necessarily mean the depression has returned, but that the brain is readjusting. “A psychiatrist is the best person to guide this process because tapering medication safely requires clinical knowledge of dosage, duration, and individual brain chemistry.”
External stressors like public criticism, job loss, or major life disruptions can significantly impact individuals with bipolar disorder. Khangarot states, “Psychologically, such stress activates the body’s stress response system, increasing cortisol levels and emotional reactivity. This heightened state can destabilise mood regulation, even when medication is being taken consistently.”
While medication helps maintain chemical balance, psychological resilience, therapy, and lifestyle regulation are equally crucial. “Managing triggers through stress-reduction techniques and consistent therapeutic support helps prevent relapse and maintain emotional stability over time,” concludes the expert.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
