Deepika Padukone recently appeared on the latest episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha, an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise awareness about mental health. During the episode, the actress shared insights about her personal struggle with depression and discussed her path to healing. She revealed that for a long time, she silently battled her mental health issues while living in Mumbai, and it was her mother who first recognized that something was wrong.
Deepika recalled grappling with suicidal thoughts and even contemplating ending her life. She explained, “I transitioned from school to sports, then modeling, and eventually acting. I kept pushing myself until, in 2014, I suddenly fainted. It was only later that I realized I was struggling with depression. The thing about depression is that it’s invisible – you can’t always see it. There might be people around us battling anxiety or depression, yet we may never know because, on the outside, they seem happy and normal.” This profound reflection reveals the depths of her anguish.
Reflecting on her harrowing journey, Deepika shared that her mother was instrumental in her path to recovery, as she recognized the signs of depression and advised her to seek help from a psychologist. “When my mother came to see me in Mumbai, on the day she was leaving for Bangalore, I suddenly broke down. My family asked me all sorts of questions about my work, but all I could say was, ‘I don’t know. I just feel helpless and hopeless. Mujhe jeena hi nahi hai (I don’t want to live).’ Thankfully, my mother recognized the signs and suggested I see a psychologist.” She emphasized the stigma surrounding mental health in the country, stating, “But as soon as I started speaking about it, I felt lighter. Anxiety, stress, and depression can affect anyone, and talking about it truly eases the burden.”
On a personal note, Deepika Padukone and her husband Ranveer Singh welcomed their first child, a daughter named Dua, in September last year. Professionally, Deepika has been busy with films like Pathaan, Jawan, Fighter, Kalki 2898 AD, and Singham Again. Currently, she is on a maternity break, after which she is expected to start filming for Kalki 2 alongside Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan.
Deepika’s openness about her mental health journey is crucial in fostering discussions around depression and challenging societal stigmas. By sharing her story, she not only highlights the importance of seeking help but also offers hope to others facing similar battles.
