Deepika Padukone recently opened up about her battle with depression during the eighth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha, an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote mental health awareness among students. As one of the most vocal advocates for mental well-being in Bollywood, Deepika shared her personal experiences, highlighting the role her mother, Ujjala Padukone, played in recognizing the early signs of depression and guiding her toward professional help.
During the discussion, Deepika recalled how she struggled silently for a long time while living alone in Mumbai. It was only when her mother visited and noticed the changes in her behavior that she was encouraged to seek support. She described breaking down in front of her family, feeling lost and hopeless, and her mother’s immediate concern leading to professional intervention.
The actress emphasized that depression is often invisible, and many individuals who appear happy on the outside might be silently battling anxiety and mental distress. She recounted how she fainted in 2014 due to excessive stress and later realized that she had been struggling with depression. At a time when mental health issues carried a strong stigma in India, Deepika’s openness about her experience helped initiate important conversations on the subject.
Since overcoming her struggles, Deepika has used her platform to raise awareness through the Live Love Laugh Foundation, which works toward destigmatizing mental health issues and providing resources for those in need. She encouraged students and individuals facing similar challenges to speak up, seek help, and prioritize their mental well-being.
Her candid revelations on Pariksha Pe Charcha served as a powerful reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of success or status, and that support from loved ones and seeking help can make a life-changing difference.