Alia Bhatt's Sister Shaheen Reveals Depression Battle

Shaheen, actor Alia Bhatt's sister, has been the latest to speak up on depression. "I've lived with depression since I was 12 years old and since then I've been suicidal on more than one occasion,” Shaheen told Vogue magazine.

Her comments came in the aftermath of the suicides of fashion designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef-food critic Anthony Bourdain. Shaheen revealed how it kept haunting her on and off. It all started when she was about 12 years old.

"I've experienced the sheer terror of contemplating a life filled with unrelenting anguish, and I've been consumed by the terrifying thought of having but a single means of escape from a bleak, unbearable future," reads an excerpt

The article was headlined: Shaheen Bhatt on the recent suicides: "It could have been me."

READ: Indians Are Increasingly Seeking Counsel For Their Mental Health

Earlier in November 2016, Shaheen mentioned 'living with depression' in a lengthy Instagram post.

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A post shared by Shaheen Bhatt (@shaheenb)

On Bourdain's Death

Talking about Bourdain's death, Shaheen said, "I love Bourdain, I’ve been a fan of his ever since I read Kitchen Confidential. I marvelled at his no-nonsense screen presence, his natural humour and his effortless ability to turn the foods he was eating into almost living, breathing characters. I love Bourdain, but that wasn’t the only reason I was crying. I was crying because every time I hear of someone who was unable to go on living with the darkness within them, I’m reminded of how that could have just as easily been me.”

Start Talking

Shaheen said instead of suffering in silence, those battling depression should start talking. She said, "Talking about depression is no longer an option, it’s a matter of life and death."

Also Read: Recover Your Mental Health With These Simple Steps

Multiple Suicides

"Every day that we shy away from the subject, someone plunges further into their depressive hole, isolating themselves and believing they’re freaks. Every minute that we continue to stay silent we lose one more person to the horrors of depression and suicide. Every second that we choose comfort over reality we fail another Anthony and another Kate," she concluded.

A Note From Star Sister

Appreciating her sister’s bravery in opening up, Alia also took to Twitter to laud her for speaking up. She tweeted:

Shaheen you are brilliant! My sister has battled and lived with depression since she was 12. She speaks her heart out and without any hesitation addresses the giant elephant in the room - Mental health and the LACK of our understanding & acceptance! https://t.co/ih0PmzujYl

— Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) June 14, 2018

It is also reported that Shaheen is writing a book, sharing her battle with depression.

Feature Image Credit: iDiva

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