Deepika Padukone recently appeared in the second episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025, where she addressed students on the crucial topic of mental health and well-being.
The episode was broadcast live across various platforms, including the Ministry of Education’s YouTube channel, MyGov India, PM Modi’s channel, and Doordarshan networks.
During the conversation, Deepika candidly shared her personal experience with depression, describing the struggles she faced throughout different stages of her life.
Reflecting on her journey, 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."
Deepika also recalled how she silently dealt with her mental health challenges while living alone in Mumbai, before finally seeking help.
She shared that her mother was the first to notice her distress and intervene. Deepika said, “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 recognised the signs and suggested I see a psychologist."
In India, mental health often remains a taboo subject, making it difficult for many to openly discuss their struggles. Deepika emphasized how important it is to speak out, stating that talking about mental health challenges helped her tremendously.
She continued, "In our country, mental health carries a stigma, making it difficult to talk about. 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."
Her words resonated with many, encouraging open conversations and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Deepika’s vulnerability and honesty have sparked important discussions about mental well-being, helping others understand that they are not alone in their struggles.
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