Resham believes depression does not exist, says it's a consequence of distancing oneself from God

A recent interview on PTV Home saw veteran actor Resham claim, rather boldly, that depression “does not exist” and suggest instead that it is a consequence of distancing oneself from God.

In a video now circulating online, she states, "I've always said, I believe depression does not exist. Depression is a distance from God. My sister raised me - I grew up without parents - so whenever I missed my parents, even though the way baji raised me, she never let me feel their absence, I would go to God. Whenever you feel depressed, go to God, cry in prayer -"

"And remember God," interjects host Sami Khan. "Your heart's peace is in God's secrets."

"Undoubtedly," states Resham.

The Jannat Ki Talash star shared the clip on her Instagram with a caption doubling down on her claim, stating, "Every human being has his own thinking. And for me, the solution of every problem is to love and attachment to Allah, whether it is depression or any other problem, maybe some people did not understand my point... Deep things not everyone can understand... Critics ko all I want to say is hold your energy for something positive God bless you all amen."

The American Psychiatric Association classifies depression as a "common and serious mental illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act." The National Health Service England (NHS) states, "Some people think depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. They're wrong – it is a real illness with real symptoms." Both health resources outline that it is treatable and should be dealt with seriously. (And this is just after a quick Google search asking, "Is depression real?")

The Aga Khan University Hospital, too, provides details about symptoms of depression, while highlighting the importance of paying due heed to the mental illness.

As expected, this statement by Resham did not sit well with many. Tweeps flocked to their social media handles to criticize the star for spreading misinformation. "Literally have no words," wrote doctor and human rights activist, Maarib (Reformistan). "It physically hurts to hear this. I cannot begin to imagine how harmful, irresponsible and dangerous this is. Why do these [people] get invited to misguide entire hordes of [people] in a country that already excessively trivialises mental health?"

"Please visit one hospital in Pakistan and see for yourself how difficult it is when as clinicians," they continued. "We diagnose Depression in a young teen & upon asking the parents to meet our Psychiatrist, we are literally yelled and abused because we suggested that their child needs psychiatric help."

"Heart attack exist nahi karta, haqeeqat mein wo aapke ex ka diya hua dard e disco hai," another user joked.

"It isn't Resham's fault, you need to have an educated well-versed person to know that these [diseases] exist and their treatment is like any other disease and that through medicine," stated yet another user.

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