Pakistani Actress Sarwat Gilani Opens Up About Postpartum Depression

Shares Personal Struggles / Photo File (magtheweekly)

Renowned Pakistani actress Sarwat Gilani recently spoke candidly about her personal experiences with postpartum depression in a television interview, urging mothers not to ignore the symptoms and to seek immediate help when needed.

Gilani emphasized that mental health issues, especially postpartum depression, often go unnoticed. She noted that strong, capable women managing daily responsibilities may still silently suffer, while neither they nor their families recognize the problem.

Sharing her own journey, Gilani revealed that after the birth of her three children, she faced multiple challenges. During her first two pregnancies, she was unaware of why she felt the way she did. However, after the birth of her third child, she struggled with feeding her daughter, severe panic attacks, and intense anxiety.

The actress highlighted that one in seven women worldwide experiences postpartum depression, with many not understanding what is happening to them. Women often feel weak, although these feelings are part of a natural physiological and emotional process.

She candidly described the disturbing thoughts she faced, saying that at times she felt unsure whether to get out of bed or stay, and at other moments, frightening intrusive thoughts would arise. “These are moments when even you don’t believe what your mind is thinking,” she said.

Gilani said she was fortunate that her husband, a doctor, understood her struggles, but she warned that in many households, even the concept of postpartum depression is unfamiliar. She urged all women to educate themselves about mental health before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure proper awareness and timely help.