Here's A Look At How Deepika Padukone Breaks Stigma Around Mental Health

Deepika Padukone shares her struggle with depression and how she started a mental health awareness foundation.

Deepika Padukone once again breaks the stigma around mental health.

(Photo Courtesy: Instagram/ @deepikapadukone)

Deepika Padukone is one of the highest-paid and most popular actresses in Bollywood. She has several accolades to her name including 3 Filmfare awards, several back-to-back hits, and her name in the Times' list of 100 Most Influential People in the world.

The actor has never shied away from openely talking about mental health. At a recent event on 4 August, Deepika once again opened up on how she overcame the many obstacles that came her way, including suicidal thoughts while she was depressed. The actor shared, "There were days when I just didn't want to wake up, I would sleep because sleep for me was an escape, I was suicidal at times."

Owing to this, we take a look at how she has emerged as an icon of mental health advocacy. In 2014, despite her personal and professional achievements, Deepika was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety and in 2015. She decided to publicly acknowledge her struggle and use her position to advocate mental well-being in the country.

She set up a foundation called the 'Live Love Laugh' Foundation to spread awareness about mental health and break the stigma around it. Watch the video to learn more about her struggle with depression and her foundation.

(If you feel suicidal or know someone in distress, please reach out to them with kindness and call these numbers of local emergency services, helplines, and mental health NGOs).

(This article is from The Quint's archives and is being republished after Deepika Padukone's recent remarks on battling depression at an event).