The stories I heard were heart-crushing: Mahira Khan on spending day at a rehab for children

On World Mental Health Day, Mahira Khan visited the Alleviate Addiction Suffering (AAS) rehabilitation centre and spent her time with the children there.

She pleaded her followers to treat mental health with more respect and do everything they can to dispel the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. On Monday, Mahira uploaded a video in which she reflected on her time at the facility and shared her appreciation for having the opportunity to work with the centre.

"The stories I heard were heart-crushing. I can't forget this one boy who had been taking heroin because of his brother — who used to sell drugs. This little innocent boy.. same age as my baby boy. I could see the trauma in his eyes," she wrote in her caption. "I will never forget the girl who hugged me and cried. Helplessly, she was also a recovering heroin addict who had been gang raped mercilessly. I couldn't help but cry with her. I am still so angry that she went through that. It makes my blood boil that those men are roaming around free!!"

The Sadqay Tumhare star stressed on the need for patients to receive assistance, not just for their addictions but also the mental health issues that accompany them.

"There are countless children, women and men suffering in our countries. Battling addiction, battling abuse of all kinds. I am so grateful to The British Asian Trust and AAS Trust for providing a safe space for them. For treating not only the addiction but the mental trauma that comes with what they have gone through. I know what I have to do. I hope that I can do it one-day InshaAllah," she continued.

Urging her fans to be kinder, the actor added, "To all of you, please be kinder than ever, we have no idea what people are going through. Please help in whatever capacity you can."

Mahira ended her video by saying a small prayer for the young children and wishing them a quick recovery. Actors such as Navin Waqar, Mawra Hocane, Hira Mani, Juggan Kazim, and Yashma Gill have also pointed out the need for mental health awareness in Pakistan and building a community that supports each other in distress.

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