Deepika Padukone Advocates Mental Health Awareness at Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025

At the Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 event, Deepika Padukone candidly shared her battle with depression, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness. She urged students to manage stress through communication and self-care while advocating for the reduction of mental health stigma in India.

Renowned actress Deepika Padukone has opened up about her battle with depression, emphasizing the considerable impact the invisible condition had on her life. She revealed her struggles during an interaction with students at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025' event.

The 'Om Shanti Om' star recounted her journey of realization, recalling a moment in 2014 when she collapsed due to exhaustion. Following this incident, she discovered she was suffering from depression—an ailment that often remains unseen. Padukone highlighted the challenge of recognizing mental health issues, as she appeared outwardly content while internally battling anxiety and depression.

She expressed gratitude for her mother, who identified her distress and sought professional help. Padukone reflected on the stigma surrounding mental illness in India and shared how speaking openly about her condition liberated her. In 2015, she founded the LiveLoveLaugh foundation to raise mental health awareness and counteract the stigma.

During the discussion, Padukone offered advice to students on handling exam stress, urging them to focus on controllable factors like preparation and to communicate with trusted individuals about their anxieties. She recounted her school days, recalling her passion for extracurricular activities and the absence of pressure from her parents regarding academic performance.

Padukone advocated for stress management tactics such as adequate sleep, sunlight, and open communication. She described stress as a natural aspect of life and encouraged students to approach exams with patience and composure.

(With inputs from agencies.)