Deepika Padukone Recalls Battle With Depression

February 12, 2025: In a heartfelt discussion at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025, Deepika Padukone, the celebrated actress known for her work in Om Shanti Om and Padmaavat, spoke candidly about her battle with depression and how it affected her life.

The actress, who has been open about her mental health journey for years, shared a powerful story about the period when she realized she was suffering from depression. Reflecting on the turning point in 2014, Deepika recalled how, after years of continuous work in sports, modelling, and acting, she suddenly collapsed one day. This was the moment she understood that what she was feeling was not just fatigue, but something much deeper.

“Depression is invisible,” she explained to the students. “You can’t see it, and it’s possible that people around us feel anxious or depressed, but we often don’t know. I was smiling, greeting everyone, and for a long time, I didn’t share it with anyone.”

The actress revealed that her condition reached a tipping point when she found herself feeling “completely helpless and hopeless.” It was during a visit from her mother that Deepika finally broke down in tears, admitting that she didn’t want to live anymore. Thankfully, her mother recognized the signs of mental distress and immediately sought help by calling a psychologist.

“I was very lucky,” Deepika shared. “At that moment, my mother decided to call a psychologist, which was the first step toward my recovery.”

She further highlighted how mental health was stigmatized in India, a sentiment she has since worked to change. By openly discussing her struggles with depression, Deepika felt a sense of freedom. “As soon as I started talking about this illness, I started feeling so free, so light,” she said. This marked the beginning of her advocacy for mental health awareness, leading to the creation of the LiveLoveLaugh foundation in 2015, which focuses on mental health resources and reducing stigma.

At Pariksha Pe Charcha, Deepika also shared tips for students dealing with the pressures of exams. “Focus on the things you can control, like ‘Am I prepared or not?’ That’s within your control. Talk to your parents or teachers about your stress. Identifying the cause and expressing it to someone you trust is key,” she advised.

In a lighter moment, Deepika recalled her childhood fondness for extracurricular activities and sports, noting that her parents never pressured her to get good marks. “I want to tell parents to recognize their child’s potential beyond just marks,” she said, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual talents.

To promote mental well-being, Deepika also recommended several stress-relieving practices, including adequate sleep, exposure to sunlight, physical exercise, and seeking help when needed. “Sleep is a superpower available for free,” she emphasized, underlining how crucial rest is for mental health.

The actress wrapped up by reminding the students that stress is a natural part of life, especially during exams. “Patience is key,” she said, encouraging the students to approach exams and results with a calm mindset.

Through her candid talk, Deepika Padukone once again demonstrated the power of open dialogue in breaking the stigma around mental health and inspired others to prioritize their well-being.