Deepika Padukone Opens Up About Her Struggle with Depression
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone participated in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s annual ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ program, where she engaged with students and answered their questions. The full episode featuring her interaction was recently released on the Prime Minister’s official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) account. During the session, Deepika shared several personal insights, including her past struggles with mental health.
Reflecting on her battle with depression, Deepika revealed that there was a time when she was overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts. She discussed ways to cope with stress, stay calm in distressing situations, and emphasized the importance of mental health awareness among students.
"From being a school student to pursuing sports, then stepping into modeling, and eventually entering films—I have experienced numerous transitions in my life. I kept motivating myself through each phase. Until 2014, everything seemed fine, but suddenly, I collapsed. That was when I realized I was suffering from depression," Deepika said.
She recounted how, living alone in Mumbai, she struggled with her condition for a long time without confiding in anyone. "One day, my mother visited me in Mumbai. As she was leaving, I broke down and cried uncontrollably. For the first time, I shared my feelings with her. I told her, ‘I feel helpless. I have lost all hope in life. I don’t want to live anymore.’ That’s when she advised me to seek help from a mental health professional," she recalled.
Deepika emphasized that anxiety, stress, and depression are challenges that many people face at different stages of life. She urged individuals not to fear these struggles and instead open up about them. "Sharing our burdens helps lighten them. Suppressing our problems only increases our suffering. One must have the courage to speak up," she stated.
