Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has always been vocal about her struggle with depression. During her appearance on the latest episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha, an initiative launched by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise awareness about mental health, Deepika spoke about her battle with depression and how she overcame it.
The ‘Padmaavat’ actress revealed that for a long time, she silently struggled while living in Mumbai, India, and it was her mother who noticed that she was not happy. Deepika recalled going through a tough time, having suicidal thoughts, and even wanting to end her life.
“I transitioned from school to sports, then modeling, and eventually acting. I kept pushing myself until, in 2014, I suddenly fainted. It was only later that I realised I was struggling with depression. The thing about depression is that it’s invisible – you can’t always see it,” said Deepika.
Recalling her tough days, she shared how her mother recognised the signs of depression and advised her to see a psychologist. “When my mother came to see me in Mumbai, on the day she was leaving for Bangalore, I suddenly broke down. My family asked me all sorts of questions about my work, but all I could say was, ‘I don’t know. I feel helpless and hopeless. I don’t want to live’. Thankfully, my mother recognized the signs and suggested I see a psychologist,” said Padukone.
The actress is now in a happy space. Last year, she welcomed her first child, a baby girl, with husband Ranveer Singh.
On the work front, she will be next seen in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel, which is slated for 2027 release.
