Actor Babil Khan, son of the late Irrfan Khan, has returned to social media after a long break. But like others who post ‘I’m back’ or ‘Hello Instagram’ Babil has shared something very personal. He wrote an emotional post about his battle with depression. In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Babil expressed the toll that mental health struggles have taken on him and the importance of taking time to heal.
In his Instagram post, Babil wrote, “I wore my heart on my sleeve; now I have blood-soaked t-shirts. I needed time to heal. My demons left me with deep cuts, insomnia, and panic had me making wired confessions. I was crying out for help; I couldn’t stifle my expression.”
The post quickly garnered support from fellow actors and fans alike. Vijay Varma commented, “Babil, we got your back,” while Aparshakti Khurana and Gulshan Devaiah also expressed their support. Fans praised Babil for his courage in speaking openly about his mental health struggles, showing the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding depression.
How does depression affect a person?
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), depression can happen in various ways, including persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating.
Dr. John M. Grohol, founder of Psych Central, explains that depression can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. He further explains that recognising the signs and seeking help early can help a person heal better.
How to support someone with depression?
Supporting a loved one with depression takes patience, understanding, and empathy. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several ways to help someone struggling. As a measure to help the depression patient, you could encourage them to seek professional help from a health expert or mental health specialist, listen without judgment, and avoid giving unsolicited advice.
Offering practical support, such as helping with daily tasks or accompanying them to appointments, can also make a difference. Staying connected through regular check-ins shows that you care and provides emotional support. It’s important to remember that depression is a medical condition, not a weakness, and with the right treatment and support, people can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
Why are open conversations important to overcome depression?
Open conversations are very important when it comes to dealing with depression. Talking about your feelings helps you feel less alone and reduces the stigma around mental health. It allows friends, family, or professionals to understand what you’re going through and offer support. Sharing your struggles can also make it easier to notice symptoms early and seek help before things get worse.
Bollywood celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt’s sister, Shaheen Bhatt have opened up about their struggles with depression and now it’s Babil Khan who has opened up about it. Open conversations create a safe space, and remind people that they don’t have to face depression alone.
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or in distress contact the Vandrevala Foundation’s helpline (+91-9999666555) which is available in 11 languages including English and can be accessed via telephone or WhatsApp 24×7. You can also contact Fortis Hospital’s National Helpline number 91-8376804102 which is available 24×7. You can also contact the Government Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline ‘KIRAN’ at 18005990019 which is available 24×7.