Ten years ago, Deepika Padukone started a conversation around mental health in India. The Live Love Laugh foundation aimed to empower citizens of our country to speak up about their mental health and accept and embrace it without guilt or shame. Padukone's personal experience dealing with depression gave the initiative much needed visibility and credibility. In an honest conversation with Shereen Bhan of CNBC-TV18, she recalled the early struggles - public doubt about her intentions, whispers of "publicity stunts," and tough questions about her foundation's motives. "I still remember that first meeting in my home at the dining table. It was me, Dr Shyam and Anna Chandy, also the people that I went to when I was seeking help. There was also a lot of scepticism when we started - about a celebrity coming out and sharing her experience with mental illness. Was it a publicity stunt? Was she being paid by a pharmaceutical company? We had to deal with all of that. I remember saying to the team even then, we just need to put our heads down and continue to do the work," she told the host, adding: "My dream for mental health in India is what Gully cricket is to India." Why do people hesitate to accept therapy? Dr. Sabyasachi Mitra, Consultant - Psychiatrist, CMRI, Kolkata told indianexpress.com that mental health is something we see being ignored far too often. People reach out and seek help only after months or years of struggling because they are afraid of what others will think. They worry about being judged, about being seen as weak, or about disappointing their families. "What is striking is how much this fear isolates them. Therapy is available, effective, but so many never reach out," he mentioned. "We tell our patients that asking for help is not a failure but a step toward taking control of your life. Families and friends can make a big difference, too, just by listening and being patient, without rushing to give advice or criticize. Workplaces and schools also need to recognize that mental health matters, in practical ways, like flexible schedules or access to counselling," said Dr Mitra. According to him, the sooner someone gets support, the better they can manage stress or anxiety before it grows. Changing attitudes will take time, but every conversation, every small act of understanding, makes a difference in how people see mental wellbeing. Clincial psychologist Dr Rimpa Sarkar added that many fear being labeled as “mad” or “not strong enough,” but in reality, seeking therapy takes courage and self-awareness. "Therapy is a structured, evidence-based process — not a quick fix — and just like physical health check-ups, mental health check-ins should be normalized," she said. How can therapy help? After a traumatic event, Dr Sarkar said that people often go through confusion, guilt, or self-blame. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space where they can process these overwhelming emotions with the support of a professional who is unbiased and trained to handle emotional turbulence. "Unlike family or friends, therapists use structured approaches such as reframing thoughts, teaching coping strategies, and working with specialized modalities depending on the individual’s experience. Therapy doesn’t aim to erase painful memories, but to help people learn to live with them, rebuild resilience, and move forward in life without being consumed by the past," she concluded. Sarkar said that celebrities like Padukone speaking up, along with accessible insurance support are helping reduce stigma, but a cultural shift is still needed. "If someone feels shame about going to therapy, I remind them: healing begins when you put yourself first. When you start caring for yourself, other people’s opinions begin to matter much less," she mentioned. 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.
