Deepika Padukone discusses mental health; Says 'Had my mom not identified my symptoms, I don't know...'

Digital Desk: Deepika Padukone has always been open about the value of mental health and has opened up about her own experiences with depression. The actor discussed the value of a caregiver in such situations while now in Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, where she is expanding the rural community mental health programme of her mental health nonprofit Live Love Laugh in advance of World Mental Health Day. She explained how Ujjala Padukone, her mother, had identified her symptoms.

 

"When I hear the stories of the caregivers, I realise how equally important that is as well, and the emotional well-being of the caregiver is as important as the emotional well-being of the person experiencing mental illness. Even in my journey, the role of the caregiver has been extremely important. That's why my mother is here, and that's why my sister has been so passionately part of this cause for many years," Deepika told NDTV.

 

She added, "In my own instance, for example, I don't know what state I would be in today had my mother and the caregiver not recognised my symptoms, in my period of vulnerability, had she not had the foresight to tell me to or help me reach out to the professionals." She claimed that even though it would have been difficult for her, her mother had made sure that she received treatment and doctor consultations. It takes a toll on the caregiver, she continued, whether the patient has a mental disease or another type of illness.

At a Mumbai event in August of this year, Deepika discussed depression and mentioned that she experienced suicidal thoughts. "I would cry for no apparent reason. There were times I just didn't want to wake up," she had admitted, adding that she found it difficult to maintain a brave face whenever her parents visited.

 

Deepika Padukone established the Live Love Laugh Foundation in 2021 intending to assist those who are experiencing mental health issues.