Actress, Deepika Padukone has recalled the time she battled with depression at a recent event in Mumbai.
Deepika Padukone is one of the most versatile and successful actresses in Bollywood. She has been part of some of the most iconic films, like Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express, Bhajirao Mastani and Padmaavat. Recently, the actress attended an event organised by The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, in association with World Gold Council. Deepika graced the event as the Chief Guest along with her sister, Anisha Padukone.
At the event, Deepika opened up about her battle with months-long depression. She spoke about how she survived that period and overcame all the setbacks that came her way, including having suicidal thoughts at times.
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As per a report by ANI, Deepika Padukone opened up about her struggle with mental health. The actress talked about the phase of her life when she had not felt quite right. Elaborating on the same, the Piku actress also revealed that she had suicidal thoughts too. In her words:
"I was on a career-high, and everything was going well, so there was no apparent reason why I should've felt the way I was feeling, but I would break down for no reason. There were days when I just didn't want to woke up. I would sleep because sleep, for me, was an escape. I was suicidal at times."
Speaking about her battle with mental health, the actress went on to give due credit to her mother, Ujjala Padukone. She shared how her mother came to her rescue at that time. Deepika said that her mother recognised the signs and symptoms of depression and asked her to get medical help. She said:
"I give all the credit to my mother for recognising the signs and symptoms because it just happened out of the blue."
Furthermore, Deepika shared that she used to hide her feelings from her parents and try to make everything look fine whenever they visited her. In her words:
"My parents live in Bangalore, so every time they visited me, even now when they visit me, I always put a brave front that everything's okay. You always want to show your parents that you are fine."
Deepika Padukone never hides away from talking about depression. She has always been open about discussing mental health issues. Moreover, the Padmaavat actress also runs an NGO, 'Live Love Laugh' for people struggling with mental health issues. Talking about her foundation, Deepika shared that her depression was one of the reasons why she set up the foundation. She believes that it is imperative to be sensitive to the people around us.
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In 2015, Deepika disclosed that she had been diagnosed with depression and sought help. Earlier, while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Deepika had talked about the same and said:
"Mental illness has presented us all with a very tough challenge, but my love-hate relationship with the illness has taught me so much. So to be patient for one, that you aren't alone, but most importantly that there is hope."
More power to you, Deepika! You are an inspiration.
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