Deepika Padukone opens up about being a depression survivor

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone opened up about her battle with depression. She shared a very important message on her social media platforms where she has tried to make people aware about such widely stigmatized illness.

Deepika stressed that depression and anxiety or any other mental health issues are just like other diseases that require medical and professional involvement. She said, “In 2014, I was diagnosed with clinical depression. But in India, 90 per cent of people who suffer from depression don’t seek help. Depression is like any other illness that requires intervention.”

The actress also revealed that she has been under severe depression in 2015 and that’s when she realized she needed to open up on a larger platform and use her position for this act of goodness. Since her diagnosis, she’s been spreading awareness regarding mental health issues and the importance of taking care of one’s mental health. she even put the grounds for a foundation named Live, Love, Laugh to promote mental health care.

Deepika also urged fans to open up about their experiences, their feelings, their thoughts and anything that might have played a part in helping them cope with such conditions. She requested her fans to share their stories using hashtag #NotAshamed.