Deepika Padukone talks about depression in Delhi

“Depression and sadness may feel similar but are two completely different things,” asserts Deepika Padukone. The actress, who has always been vocal about mental illness, was speaking at a session - ‘Finding beauty in imperfection’ - organised by the

FICCI

Ladies Organisation (FLO) in Delhi .

Pinky Reddy

, President,

FLO

, was among the audience, and the session was moderated by

Anna Chandy

, Deepika’s therapist.
This is not the first time that Deepika has opened up about her struggle with

depression

. The actress says she feels happy to be sharing her journey whenever she gets a chance. She feels it gives her a chance to spread awareness about and remove the stigma attached to mental illness. “Four years ago, when I narrated my journey, I didn’t think of it as being brave, I didn’t think it was going to be revolutionary. I just felt that it was important for me to share something that was very personal to me, something that had changed my life. I felt that if I can save at least one life by sharing my story, I would be very grateful. And I think coming out has at least started a conversation. But we still have a long way to go,” added Deepika.

Anna Chandy, Deepika’s therapist

When asked about her next step, Deepika stressed on educating caregivers. She said, “Fortunately for me, my mother recognised my symptoms very early on and took me to a counselor. It is important to educate parents and teachers about the symptoms of depression. Sadness can happen more often and is more like a passing emotion. Depression, however, is an emotion which stays with us for a longer period of time.” She added, “Anxiety and depression are clinical disorders and not ‘bad

karma

’ as some people say. If someone really wants to help, then avoid saying things like ‘go watch a movie’ or ‘try to stay happy’. It actually makes us sadder.”

Pinky Reddy, President, FLO

‘Self-love and self-care without feeling guilty are important’
“My experience with depression was so bad that even today I fear to slip into it again. Today, I am a much happier person. I am more aware of my physical and mental health. I realised that self-love and self-care without feeling guilty are extremely important. It is also important to have a work-life balance. It is okay to be unavailable for a while and just have a human interaction, " she said.