It is alright to have dark days: Hania Aamir doesn't want to 'put up a facade' of being okay

Despite having been singled out by friend and actor Yashma Gill for her cheery rock-solid support in helping the latter recover in hospital, actor Hania Aamir proved yet again that behind every beaming photograph brandished online, there is often a private struggle behind the scenes. 

In a long, emotional post where she laid bare her private mental health struggles on her Instagram handle, the fresh-faced Dil Ruba actor opened up about how she hadn’t been "feeling good for some time now”. Using her public platform to erode the stigma surrounding mental health in Pakistani society, Hania went on to assure her fans and followers that there was “no shame” in seeking professional help. 

In anticipation of facing a backlash for publicising her mental health journey, Hania expressed a desire - to be honest with her friends and fans. “Yes, this could’ve been dealt with privately but I genuinely feel like we have grown up together on this platform,” wrote the star. “From my dubsmash to films to dramas (reel and real) to random videos and updates on my life, I’ve tried to be as real as I could be with all of you.”

Hania added that she owed it to herself to look within and do everything in her power to recharge her batteries toward a full recovery. Bearing that in mind, she underscored the importance of not battling mental health challenges alone, highlighting that no one was equipped to undertake such a journey solo.

“I’m doing everything I can to get back to health but I just wanted to come here and tell you that it is alright to have dark days,” penned Hania. “It does get better. I know sometimes it feels like there’s only darkness at the end of the tunnel. I get it. You just need to tell yourself that you deserve happiness and you need to take charge, ask for help from the people around you and seek a professional.”

Without pinpointing the reason behind her mental health challenges, Hania acknowledged that there were many others like her who have faced similar struggles. Dismissing the usual cultural norm of putting up a brave face in the face of adversity, Hania urged her followers to be open with their feelings and not wear themselves to the bone by pretending all was well. “I don’t want to put up a facade of being okay,” she wrote. “And neither should you. It’s too exhausting.”

Hania went on to remind those in her orbit that both mental and physical health went hand in hand. “Remember, mental health matters just as much as physical health, and discussing it is a sign of strength, not weakness,” she captioned. “Please ask for help when you need it. You’re not in this alone.”

Ending her post with an invitation to spread more mental health awareness, Hania concluded, “And if there’s any advice for me or anyone going through depression please tell us in the comments. The smallest beam of hope and warmth can help.”

On a post that has racked up over 400,000 likes in three days, Hania’s cautionary reminder to embrace mental wellness struck a chord with her large following, with a tidal wave of advice and support flooding the comments section. Hania’s friend and fellow actress Yashma commented, “You are my life, okay? I love you to the moon and back and always there for you,” whilst another user wrote, “So relatable.” 

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