25 May 2023, Mumbai: Depression, a prevalent mental health issue in today’s society, has sparked a heated debate on Twitter after Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui made a controversial statement. Siddiqui, known for his candid remarks, claimed that depression is an urban concept born out of privilege, suggesting that individuals in rural areas do not experience it. This statement, shared by Twitter user Divija Bhasin, quickly went viral, igniting a discussion among netizens who expressed varied opinions on the matter.
The Tweet started it all.
The tweet received significant attention, with over 21K views and numerous responses. Many users contested Siddiqui’s viewpoint, arguing that depression affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their socioeconomic background. They emphasized that the privilege of urban individuals lies in their ability to openly discuss mental health and seek help, which may not be as accessible to those in rural areas. One user wrote, “Depression and related issues are not exclusive to the wealthy. Just because privileged people have a platform to talk about it and seek help, unlike rural people who lack the means to do so, doesn’t mean they don’t suffer from it.” Another user countered Siddiqui’s claim, citing firsthand experiences of encountering various mental health issues, including schizophrenia, OCD, and psychosis, among villagers. They emphasized that such problems often go unnoticed due to the belief that depression is the only mental health concern relevant to cities.
Several users offered an alternative perspective, suggesting that the absence of vocabulary to articulate mental health issues, coupled with the stigma surrounding them, might contribute to the prevailing belief Siddiqui expressed. They emphasized the need for community engagement and on-the-ground efforts to address mental health in the country. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who hails from the small village of Budhana in Uttar Pradesh, acknowledged that his understanding of mental health expanded after he moved to the city. While his comments stirred controversy, some individuals supported his viewpoint, while others urged him not to generalize the topic without considering all perspectives. In response to Siddiqui’s remarks, a Twitter user expressed disappointment, stating, “Please stick to acting. Don’t opine on subjects you know nothing about. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder can affect anyone, regardless of where they live or who they are. It’s shameful to spread falsehoods using your platform.”
Nawazuddin Siddiqui further explained his perspective, claiming that depression is an alien concept in rural areas. He shared that if he had told his father about feeling depressed, he would have received a slap as a response, emphasizing that no one in villages experiences depression and that everyone is content. Siddiqui acknowledged that his understanding of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, developed only after he moved to the city. It is important to note that depression is a common and chronic mental condition characterized by symptoms such as disrupted sleep patterns, changes in appetite, decreased functionality, and more.
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By Yashika Desai