Family Honors Haider Nayani’s Legacy After His Tragic Death

The Nayani family is grieving the loss of their son, Haider Nayani, who died by suicide at the age of 31. Despite his numerous achievements, including being named valedictorian at Port Moody Secondary and earning an economics degree, Haider struggled with mental health challenges that ultimately proved insurmountable.

Haider’s mother, Farida Nayani, recognized his talent for public speaking from a young age. “Since the beginning, I saw the public speaking talent in him,” she shared. His younger brother, Saif Nayani, admired his charisma, recalling, “He was the kind of person you instantly wanted to be friends with.”

While Haider excelled academically and professionally, his family later identified signs of mental health struggles that went unrecognized for years. “Looking back now, I feel he was manifesting things, but it was taken as he’s a restless kid and an overachiever,” Farida reflected. In his mid-20s, he began experiencing depression and was prescribed antidepressants.

In the months leading up to his death, Haider faced a series of challenges. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2022, he sought help from a psychiatrist and was placed on new medication. Farida encouraged him to move back home for support, but Haider opted to remain with his close-knit group of friends, whom he deeply valued.

In March 2023, Haider reached out to loved ones and voluntarily admitted himself to Vancouver General Hospital for treatment. After several days, he was discharged. Tragically, within days of returning home, he took his own life. “I lost my child,” Farida said tearfully. “The system failed him, and I lost my child.”

Saif expressed the heart-wrenching realization that Haider had followed the recommended steps for someone struggling with mental health issues. “He talked to his friends, he talked to his family, he talked to a psychiatrist, he went to the hospital, he got the medication. He did everything right,” he stated.

Addressing Mental Health Stigma

The Nayani family’s experience highlights the ongoing stigma surrounding mental illness, particularly within racialized communities in Canada. Despite their profound grief, the Nayani family is committed to raising awareness and breaking the silence surrounding mental health issues.

“If you are struggling with mental illness and you think it’s depression, if you have any doubt, please get yourself tested for bipolar,” Farida urged. “Bipolar can easily go under the radar.”

To honor Haider’s legacy, the family is establishing the Haider Nayani Storytelling Award at the B.C. Institute of Technology. This scholarship aims to support journalism students dedicated to amplifying the stories of underrepresented individuals. “It’s for specifically students who are hoping to shine a light on the stories of people who are underrepresented,” Saif explained.

The Nayani family hopes that by sharing Haider’s story, they can help others who may be struggling to find their voice and recognize the warning signs of mental illness.

For anyone in crisis or facing mental health challenges, a range of resources are available in Canada. The Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline can be reached by calling or texting 988. Additional support can be found through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at 1-800-463-2338, Crisis Services Canada at 1-833-456-4566 or by texting 45645, and Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. For immediate assistance, individuals are encouraged to call 911 or visit the nearest hospital.