There are many occasions when we sideline severe signs of clinical depression in our near and dear ones, particularly those in our immediate families, as we fail to consider it any more than ‘just a phase they’re going through.’
Mental health awareness remains a large issue in our society, partly because of how people with special needs are neglected and how their situation is often denied by even those who love them, perhaps in a failed attempt to normalize their everyday lives or even a failure to accept in their hearts that may be, ‘something is not right.’
But it is always great to make-up for all the times you couldn’t really be ‘there’, despite being ‘there’ all the time.
Alia Bhatt had a similar moment after reading her elder sister’s latest semi autobiographical book, which details her time of dealing with severe depression and how she managed to sail pass it.
‘Dear Shaheen’ – a beautiful video message, the Udta Punjab actress uploaded on – what looks like her own YouTube handle, sees the star address her sister’s battle with mental health issues as she also tearfully apologizes for not understanding it before.
“When I read your very first book, a book that you have written with so much ease and honesty, while I struggle to write one letter to you. I feel awful. I feel terrible because despite living with you for 25 years, I have never really understood your silent moments of depression. I never recognized a snappy moment as something much bigger.”
“I am sorry,” says concludes the video while holding back her tears. “I know you hate the fact that we all are saying ‘Sorry’ to you, but take the apology, ‘coz even though we love you. I don’t think we understood what you were going through, to this extent.”
Watch the heartfelt message below:
Always beautiful to see family, reach out for family.Everyone dealing with mental issues deserves someone who patiently gives their ear and empathy to them.