Sonya Hussyn responds to criticism over her stance on autism and schizophrenia

Last week, Sonya Hussyn had landed herself in hot waters due to a comment on Instagram. The Ishq Zahe Naseeb actor is all set to star as the lead in the upcoming drama serial, Saraab, in which she will essay the role of a schizophrenic patient.

In an effort to promote the project, she posted a poster listing down several different mental illnesses that can be a symptom of schizophrenia. The poster also featured 'autism' on the list. 

A fan commented that she is a mother to two autistic children and that, "Autism is not a mental illness, it is a disorder," to which Sonya replied, "It is one of the symptoms in schizophrenia. Her comment led to a barrage of replies from other followers, calling her out for her statement. 

The Mohabbat Tujhe Alvida actor was then schooled by Twitterati on her 'ill-informed' comment. Hussyn, over the weekend, took to Instagram and clarified her stance. 

In a lengthy note, the actor shared, "Amidst the debate, we should always remember to focus on the bigger picture. At the end of the day, we’re all hoping to spread more awareness about mental health and benefit the cause."

"It is sad that as a society, we are led by a few to ignore someone's intent and a bigger picture," she went on. "Instead, we focus to choose on small details that result in negating the original purpose of benefiting a cause or an individual. Mental wellness and health are subjects I have spoken about before becoming an actor. I have always encouraged others to feel comfortable when starting conversations about the same. This is a subject close to me because of my experience with Amii, who struggled depression for 15 years."

The Meri Guriya star further penned, "To calibrate my knowledge and discuss the subject further, I will go on my social media soon with a qualified expert on mental health and wellness."

Hussyn then encouraged fans and followers to send in their queries about the same for a healthy discussion. "All those who only choose to bash or criticise others, have given me more reason to talk about such issues."

BACKSTORY:

Earlier, many also took to Twitter to take jibes at her statement, calling her ill-informed, and how maybe a "two-minute Google search would've helped."

In April, talking to The Express Tribune, Sonya had shared how she, in fact, had done ample research before digging into the sensitive project. "For about two months, the makers kept in touch with me about my training which gave me the confidence that I can pull this off," she had said. 

Sonya added that as a part of her training, she visited rehab centres with her director and producer to meet with patients suffering from the disorder before officially taking on the role. According to Sonya herself, the drama serial is "entire documentation from diagnosis, to treatment and to potential recovery. It is basically the story of a seemingly ‘normal’ girl in a normal setting, who has symptoms of schizophrenia that people around her are unable to recognise.”

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