Every day is a struggle: Saheefa Jabbar Khattak's honest post highlights vitality of mental health

Pakistani model-turned-actor Saheefa Jabbar Khattak bravely opened up about her struggles with mental health on her Instagram Stories. She expressed her difficulty in accepting her current state and shared the pain and grief she has been experiencing. 

Saheefa acknowledged the lack of empathy in the world and emphasised that material possessions do not guarantee happiness. She stressed the importance of nourishing the soul with love, empathy, and self-care. While she acknowledged her personal battle, she expressed gratitude for the support she has received, particularly from her husband. 

In her Stories, she revealed, "Yes, I have not been myself lately which is very difficult for me to accept here. I may or may not know what has exactly happened but it is definitely something I cannot talk about without crying my lungs out. I am in pain, I am grieving, every day is a struggle for me. Yes, I am hopeless. Yes, I do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is all dark and gloomy for me. Yes, every day I wish death upon myself."

Continuing on, she wrote, "In [the] past 60 days there has not been a single day when I haven't cried or simply questioned everything. In the process of this pain and grief, I have lost 12 kg. It has been simply impossible for me to eat and I have kept myself heavily sedated so I could sleep off the pain. My family has been constantly trying to help me with it but I guess it is my battle to fight (alone) and I have to fight my demons myself. No one can come and take away my pain for me."

Saheefa went on to pen, "I was just telling a friend (over a voice note) that I have been leaving small hints behind to let the world know (if in the process I take my life away), [the] world needs to become a kinder place. I see no empathy and it kills me how everything has become a medium to mint money one way or another. Also, everyone must be thinking I have everything (material), what in the world can bring her pain or distress? I tell you what, I am typing all of this from a very fancy hotel in Dubai while laying on a very comfortable bed and I am still in unexplainable pain." 

She ventured forth to write, "I want everyone to know who is reading this, having a nice car or a house or being able to afford anything or everything can not always assure you happiness. It (might) bring you ease but your true home is your soul and [the] soul needs its very own kind of food. Our soul doesn't need money, fame or a sexy car. Our soul needs love, empathy and [being] taken well care of. I don't know what [the] future holds and obviously, I haven't seen the afterlife either (yet) but my belief tells me whatever there is, is in the present and in my present I want to be happy, content and feel fulfilled. I want to be healed. Note to self: Stay put Saheefa, You are way too precious to give up on your life. This too shall pass. (Like always)."

The model then went on to thank all those who reached out to her. "To everyone out there, who were wishing me recovery, who were/are worried for me, sent me [direct messages] (I have read them ALL). People like you are making this world a livable place. I deeply appreciate each and every one of you for pouring in your Love. Please keep me and my family in your prayers, I have been giving some really tough time to my family lately which I just wouldn't want at all."

Saheefa also posted a special note of gratitude for her husband. "And a very public shoutout to my husband, I just don't know how is he dealing with all of this alone while living miles away. Seeing [the] love of your life struggling poorly each day kills you. I know you feel helpless and it is terrible and I understand that. Khizer, I don't know what good I have done in my life to deserve a support system like you."

While alarming, especially when one reads that the star is struggling to grasp onto life despite all privileges, Saheefa's note vitally highlights the prevailing lack of empathy in society, where everything seems to be driven by monetary gain. This underscores the urgent need for a shift in perspective, emphasising the significance of compassion, understanding, and support, especially for individuals battling mental health challenges.

Furthermore, Saheefa's honest portrayal of her pain and the impact it has had on her daily life illustrates that mental health issues can have profound effects on various aspects of one's well-being. Her struggles with eating, sleep, and finding solace demonstrate the multifaceted nature of mental health and how it permeates every aspect of an individual's life. By sharing her story, Saheefa has inadvertently encouraged others to recognise the importance of nurturing one's soul. 

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