Deepika Padukone Opens Up About Her Mental Health Issues

The actress is striving to change perceptions of mental health issues in India and beyond

Bollywood film icon Deepika Padukone has spoken out about her mental health issues after her mother, Ujjala Padukone, convinced her to seek help.

Following her mother’s advice, Deepika reached out to Anna Chandy, a therapist and a family friend.  At the peak of her acting career, the star found herself diagnosed with anxiety and clinical depression.

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We are humbled to receive the 2019 #DrGuislain “Breaking the Chains of Stigma” award. “At TLLLF, we believe that not a single life should be lost due to mental illness and we continue our efforts in giving hope to those struggling with stress, anxiety and depression,” says our founder @deepikapadukone This award highlights an individual, project or organization that has made exceptional contribution to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. It is aimed at social and / or cultural initiatives that deal with mental health care in a scientific, clear and dynamic way. #TogetherAgainstDepression #YouAreNotAlone #Tlllfoundation #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness

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In a bid to spread mental health awareness in India, Deepika founded The Live Love Laugh Foundation, an organisation which aims to reduce discrimination and stigmas around mental health through several initiatives, encouraging victims to speak to loved ones and seek help rather than keep these issues private, which the 33-year-old actress feels is all too common in India. 

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A post shared by The Live Love Laugh Foundation (@tlllfoundation) on Mar 7, 2019 at 11:58pm PST

In a video posted on the foundation’s Instagram page, Deepika addresses gender and encourages her followers to be open more than anything. “Gender is a critical determinant of mental health and mental illness. According to the World Health Organization, one in four women are likely to experience major depression at some point in their lives,” she says. “I want you to know that if you are going through a mental health crisis, help is available.”

The Live Love Laugh Foundation serves as an educational platform, spreading knowledge around mental health disorders and connects individuals to therapists and relevant helplines. It also includes programs for schools, general practitioners and parents, providing personalised information to increase mental health awareness.