Actress Sana Askari opens up about her challenges with postpartum depression

Pakistani model and actress, Sana Askari, has shared her journey of battling postpartum depression and the trying period that followed the birth of her child.

During her appearance on Samaa TV’s morning show, she provided insights into her experience and how her struggle with depression impacted her life. Renowned for her work in the entertainment industry, Sana Askari is married to YouTuber Minhaj Ali Askari, and they welcomed their son in 2016. However, her path to motherhood was far from smooth.

While discussing her postpartum depression on the morning show, she revealed that, for the first five months, she chose to keep her pregnancy a secret, only confiding in her husband, mother, and mother-in-law. She attributed this decision to her past experiences, having previously lost two children, and her desire to protect her pregnancy from negative energies and the evil eye.

Following the birth of her first child, Sana faced a series of challenges. She highlighted the lack of adequate resources in Pakistani hospitals, leaving new mothers without proper guidance on breastfeeding and childcare, leading to numerous questions and concerns about motherhood. Unbeknownst to her, she was already grappling with postpartum depression, marked by bouts of unexplained tears and emotional distress.

Her situation took a more complex turn when, three months after her son’s birth, she accompanied her mother to the hospital for her son’s treatment. It was during this visit that Sana discovered her mother’s diagnosis of stage four breast cancer, further adding to the distress in her life. Witnessing her mother’s battle with illness and dealing with her own challenges as a new mother, Sana’s emotions became overwhelming, causing her to develop anger and resentment towards her husband.

Sana shared how her anger and animosity had reached such an extent that she even contemplated divorce. Unknowingly, she had made her husband a receptacle for her emotions as she struggled to manage her feelings. It was only when she found herself venting her frustrations on her child that she realized she needed help.

Recognizing the importance of intervention, Sana sought assistance from a psychologist, prompted by a friend’s recommendation. Through therapy and support, she confronted her postpartum depression and began her path to recovery.

Sana Askari’s candid discussion sheds light on the significance of addressing postpartum depression and the necessity of open dialogues about the mental health challenges that new mothers face. Her story serves as a reminder of the strength required to seek help and recover from such difficulties.