‘I wanted to harm my daughter’: Sarwat Gilani opens up about postpartum depression

Renowned Pakistani actress Sarwat Gilani has revealed her harrowing experience with postpartum depression, including thoughts of harming her newborn daughter.

In a recent appearance on a private TV channel's morning show, Sarwat shared that while she did not experience postpartum depression after the births of her two sons and was unaware of the condition, she suffered from severe postpartum depression following her daughter’s birth.

She recounted meeting her daughter four days after delivery, as both were in separate wards due to surgeries. During this time, her newborn needed breastfeeding, but Sarwat was deeply depressed and had disturbing thoughts of dropping her baby to end the stress.

"I was crying uncontrollably and told my husband that I wanted to harm our daughter to stop all the tension," she tearfully recounted.

Sarwat highlighted the lack of information many women have during their first pregnancy, often relying on books and social media for guidance. She explained that the first pregnancy is particularly challenging as women face numerous psychological issues, and support from husbands and in-laws is crucial.

"When a pregnant woman receives support from her family, it positively impacts her mental health," she said. Her husband reassured her, explaining that she was experiencing postpartum depression, which would not last forever. His words provided comfort and understanding.

Emphasizing the importance of awareness about postpartum depression for both men and women, Sarwat said, "I realized then how critical it is for everyone to understand this condition."

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a condition that affects mothers after childbirth, characterized by feelings of restlessness and despair.

Sarwat Gilani married actor and renowned plastic surgeon Fahad Mirza in 2014. The couple has two sons and a daughter. Their eldest son, Rohan Mirza, was born in 2015, their younger son, Ariz Muhammad Mirza, in 2017, and their daughter in December 2023.