Deepika Padukone, Shraddha Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan: Actors who opened up about their battle with depression

Mental health plays a significant role in how we manage stress, interact with others, and make decisions. Yet, despite its importance, mental health remains a taboo in many cultures, with people often hesitating to discuss it openly. However, some Bollywood stars have begun using their platforms to challenge this stigma, sharing their personal struggles and encouraging others to seek help when needed. These celebrities aim to normalise mental health challenges and show that recovery is possible with the right support. Here are some actors who have opened up about their battle with mental health.

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Shraddha Kapoor once opened up about her battle with anxiety in 2018. During the success celebrations of her film Stree, the actress revealed that she had been dealing with anxiety for several years. Despite the challenges, she embraced it as part of her life. Shraddha believes that instead of fighting anxiety, one must accept and approach it with compassion. By understanding herself better, she has learned to manage her anxiety effectively. After the release of Aashiqui 2 in 2013, she faced discomfort that had no particular physiological explanation.

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Actress Ileana D'Cruz has also been open about her struggles with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), depression, and anxiety. In interviews, she shared how her family and friends’ love and support helped her cope with these challenges. The actress emphasised the importance of seeking help when necessary, advising others to speak up and get checked if they feel mentally unwell. She also shared her experience of having postpartum depression after giving birth to Koa Phoenix Dolan in 2023 with Times of India. She mentioned how mood swings are a constant companion during this time.

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Hrithik Roshan has been vocal about the ups and downs he has faced, including battling depression and confusion. The actor encourages people to understand that mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness but a natural part of life. Talking to his fitness trainer Kris Gethin, Hrithik opened up about dealing with depression and stated that he “was dying” during the shoot of War. “I was trying to achieve perfection for which I wasn’t ready. After the film, I went into adrenaline fatigue. For 3-4 months, I couldn’t train, wasn’t feeling good,” he said.

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Sanjay Dutt has endured numerous hardships, including the loss of his mother and wife, legal troubles, and a stage 3 cancer diagnosis in 2020. Despite the overwhelming challenges, he chose not to succumb to weakness. Sanjay’s journey of resilience and determination, even during chemotherapy, is a testament to his strength. He expressed his gratitude for overcoming these obstacles, particularly when reflecting on the health and well-being of his family. The actor also shared how his addiction to drugs ruined half of his life and left his family and close ones concerned.

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Deepika Padukone, one of the most outspoken advocates for mental health in Bollywood, has shared her own battle with depression. She revealed in interviews that she had struggled silently with the illness, initially mistaking it for stress. Over time, she realised that seeking help was crucial, and she established a foundation to support others facing similar challenges. During her appearance on Amitabh Bachchan’s Kaun Banega Crorepati, Deepika shared how some strange feelings would occur in her stomach and urged everyone to seek medical help without hesitation.

Pic: Instagram