Aamir Khan recently opened up about experiencing "deep depression" and feeling shattered after his divorce from his first wife, Reena Dutta, in 2002. “When Reena and I broke up the first time, I was in mourning for almost 2-3 years. I wasn’t working or listening to scripts. I was alone at home, and for almost 1.5 years, I drank a lot. You will be shocked to know that I was a teetotaler," Khan said. He added that he used to drink a bottle of alcohol every day. "After the split up, I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t sleep at night, and I started drinking. From someone who didn’t drink at all, I went to being someone who drank an entire bottle in a day. I was like Devdas. Someone who is trying to destroy themselves. I did that for 1.5 years. I was in a deep depression," Khan, 60, told Instant Bollywood. However, instead of giving up, he decided to face his fears. "I just couldn’t do anything. But you have to face your losses and accept them, and realise how important that thing was for you, which is now gone. You need to accept it and understand how good it was for you when it was there and how much you’ll miss it now that it’s not," reflected Khan, who recently admitted to dating Gauri Pratt on his birthday. How can one cope with life after a separation? While heartbreak and personal loss can be deeply unsettling, relying on substances like alcohol to numb pain often creates a cycle of dependency rather than healing, emphasised Dr Chandni Tugnait, MD (A.M) psychotherapist, coach and healer, founder and director, Gateway of Healing. According to the expert, if a coping mechanism leads to more emotional distress, physical health issues, or an inability to function effectively, one must reassess. Khan’s experience reminds us that pain demands acknowledgment, not avoidance. "Instead of succumbing to destructive habits, trying and adopting healthier coping mechanisms can turn pain into personal growth. Emotional upheaval is inevitable, but how we navigate it defines our future," mentioned Dr Tugnait. Some effective, healthier ways to cope, as suggested by Dr Tugnait: Unfinished conversations exercise: Often, the most challenging part of a breakup is the words left unsaid. Writing messages or letters (without sending them) to express unresolved emotions helps release mental and emotional baggage. Controlled chaos therapy: Sometimes, structured rebellion is necessary. "Whether it's an unplanned road trip, redecorating your space, or learning an unconventional skill, breaking monotony can prevent emotional stagnation." Borrowing a new identity: Stepping into an alternate persona, even briefly, can offer relief. Dress in a way you never have, or adopt a playful alter ego in social settings; it’s a psychological hack to create distance from pain. Reverse journaling: Instead of writing about your pain, write from the perspective of your future healed self, reflecting on how you overcame this phase. This shifts the focus from suffering to recovery. Silent dinners: Sometimes, words exhaust emotions further. Having silent meals alone or with a friend can help process emotions without any pressure, encouraging deeper self-connection. It is also necessary to seek medical consultation if the situation persists for longer. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
