Depression is real: Pakistani celebrities talk mental health after Maulana Tariq Jamil's son's death

Influential figures have taken to social media to talk about the vitality of addressing mental health issues

Asim Jamil, the son of renowned Islamic scholar and preacher Maulana Tariq Jamil, died after sustaining a gunshot wound to his chest at his farmhouse. Maulana Yousaf Jamil revealed distressing details about his younger brother's unexpected passing, sharing that Asim had been grappling with depression, and the family extended full support during his battle against the condition. 

Many celebrities have since taken to social media to talk about the vitality of addressing mental health issues openly. "For all those who say that depression happens because of [distance from religion], please take the example of Maulana Tariq Sahab's son who was suffering from it even though he had a household full of religious activities and his father [was] such an honoured religious scholar," stated actor Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui on her Instagram Story.

She continued to state, "Please understand that depression is real like other illnesses. It sucks out everything from you. Please seek help and support for it. My heart goes out to the family of the deceased. May Allah grant him Jannah and peace after all." Actor Syeda Tuba Anwar, after saying a prayer for the departed, stated, "May Allah give patience to Maulana Tariq Jamil and his family on the demise of his son. Depression is real...Please, please be kind to everyone around you and refrain from judging people based on your myopic mentality." Saba Faisal, too, took to her Instagram Story to share a brief message of condolence. "We belong to our God, and to Him we return, this is the reality of being human. May God grant patience to the family." 

Anoushey Ashraf, whilst sharing a video of the elder son shedding light on Asim's cause of death, penned to her Instagram Story, "I hope those celebs who unknowingly but hurtfully speak about how depression is being away from Allah realise that it's very much a medical issue. Many troubles and issues in life can perhaps be because of your disconnect with the higher being, get your viewpoint, but depression is a 'real' sickness and disease. It's not being away from God, it's being ill. Very ill in such cases. Saddened to hear about the passing of such a young man. Rest in peace."

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