In a country where mental health is still shrouded in stigma, Deepika Padukone has once again talked about her journey in overcoming mental health illness on World Mental Health day.
Padukone visited to Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, along with the team of her foundation, Live Love Laugh, which also completed ten years this year. Accompanied by Chairperson Dr Shyam Bhat, CEO her sister, Anisha Padukone, and her team, Deepika met with local partners and programme beneficiaries to celebrate a decade of spreading awareness.
In a video shared by her foundation, Deepika reflected on her journey since founding Live Love Laugh in 2015, inspired by her own battle with depression.
She said, “Ten years ago, it was about helping people realise that what they’re feeling has a name and that it’s okay to seek help,” adding, “When people come up to me and say, ‘You’ve saved a life,’ or ‘You’ve helped my daughter,’ nothing compares to that feeling. When you look at 2015 and now, there’s been a huge shift, and I’m proud we’ve been a part of this movement in our country.”
Deepika added that the foundation’s core belief remains the same that no life should be lost to mental illness. She said, “Over the years, we’ve not only impacted many lives but also saved countless ones in the process.”
Deepika Padukone has been one of India’s most prominent voices about mental health. She has openly spoken about her own experience with anxiety and depression. In past interviews and writings, she has recounted a time when she felt directionless, low, and emotionally drained before seeking professional help. Her openness has challenged popular misconceptions around mental illness, particularly in a country where many still avoid discussing it publicly.