Few years back, Deepika Padukone came forward about suffering from one of the most deadly and yet understated problems of modern society: Depression!
It was in 2014 that Deepika was suffering from depression, and by 2015 she had overcome this challenge (with professional help). And, she went on to encourage others to speak out about their problems.
In fact, she became a role model for people suffering from mental disorder and created a lot of positive public discourse around it. She even started Live, Love, Laugh Foundation to build awareness and help people in need to overcome this disease.
Now, just before her wedding with Ranveer Singh this year, Deepika decided to pen down a letter to motivate her fans suffering from depression and anxiety.
She spoke of her struggle, how her family & support system helped her and how she is now helping people in a similar situation.
She wrote,
“Dear readers, As some of you know, in the summer of 2014, I was diagnosed with anxiety and clinical depression. Fortunately, timely professional help coupled with the support of caregivers around me, empowered me towards the path of recovery.
As I began to read about the subject, I realised that there were millions like me, who were suffering in silence. Subsequently, as difficult as it was at the time, I decided to talk about my personal journey on national television, with the hope of encouraging others to also seek help.
Thereafter in June 2015, I founded the Live, Love, Laugh Foundation to create awareness about stress, anxiety and depression and reduce the stigma attached to mental illness.”
She ended the letter with,
“To anyone who sees darkness, I would like to say you are not alone and that help is always available. In the words of Stephen Fry, there will be sun one day.”
Read:Â 10 Simple Ways For Women To Reduce Stress
Here’s the complete letter:
Deepika has been very vocal about her challenges and has been an active participant at various events related to mental wellness. At such an even earlier this year, she said,
“It’s okay to have moments of weakness, okay to break down and okay to cry. It’s okay if you don’t look great all the time.”
She has also posted on social media multiple times on the issue
https://www.instagram.com/p/BovyWulhqzU/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ3GRJhFMGQ/
Depression is one of the leading causes of suicides in India (according to a study published in the medical journal The Lancet.)
#1 Consistent low mood with loss of interest in activities that one previously enjoyed
#2 Withdrawal into self
#3 Feelings of hopelessness, guilt and worthlessness
#4 Possible substance use
#5 Talk about harming oneself
*These are not an exhaustive list of signs of depression. They are just some of the many early signs of depression.
If you know anyone who is struggling with these signs, we suggest you talk to the person immediately. And help her/him get medical help.
It is important that we break the stigma related to mental problems before this silent killer takes away any of our friends.
https://www.iforher.com/parents-thought-depression-wasnt-real/
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