‘I thought at one point in time I was invincible, but…’: John Abraham opens up about therapy and emotional stress; how high performers learn to embrace vulnerability

John also addressed the stigma that persists in India, stating, “We come from a country where they say, ‘Oh, you have to be mad to go to a counsellor.’ You don’t need to be.”

By: Lifestyle Desk
New Delhi | Updated: May 15, 2025 05:58 PM IST

3 min read

John Abraham opened up about his mental health issues (Source: Express photo by Vasant Prabhu)

As conversations around mental health continue to gain traction, actor John Abraham’s openness about his emotional struggles and coping mechanisms offer valuable insight into how even the seemingly strongest individuals can face internal battles.

In a recent interview with Filmfare, Abraham shared, “I do have a lot of stress. I manage stress better today.” His way of dealing with it is by consciously stepping back. “The only way I do it is by dissociating and disconnecting myself from things that I believe are noise around me,” he said.

What stood out most in the conversation was that the actor understood his vulnerability and the importance of therapy. “I thought at one point in time I was invincible, but I realised that I’m vulnerable,” he said, adding, “Everybody needs to talk to someone… It’s probably the most invaluable experience.”

He also addressed the stigma in India, stating, “We come from a country where they say, ‘Oh, you have to be mad to go to a counsellor.’ You don’t need to be. It’s just having an unbiased, impartial friend who you could talk to.”

When does dissociating and disconnecting as a coping strategy become healthy boundary-setting?

Shrikari, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist at Dhee Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “Dissociating and disconnecting can be a healthy response when done intentionally to establish boundaries and protect one’s mental space, especially in today’s overstimulating environment. Taking time to step back from external pressures or digital noise can help a person recharge, reflect, and regain clarity.”

However, he says that when disconnection becomes a habitual escape from emotions, responsibilities, or difficult conversations, it can move into the territory of emotional avoidance. The key difference lies in awareness and purpose. “Healthy boundary-setting involves choosing when and how to engage, focusing on well-being. Emotional avoidance, on the other hand, may suppress underlying stressors that need addressing, and over time, this can compound distress.”

What does it take for high-achieving individuals to recognise and accept their own vulnerability?

High-achieving individuals often operate in environments that reward resilience, control, and performance. Shrikari says, “Over time, this can lead to internalising that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. However, experiences like burnout, personal loss, or emotional overwhelm can act as turning points, helping them recognise that being human includes the capacity to feel uncertain, anxious, or emotionally stretched.”

Accepting vulnerability is not about losing strength, he adds, it’s about expanding the definition of strength. It takes courage to say, ‘I’m not okay right now,’ and to seek help when needed. “When high performers embrace this mindset, it reduces internal pressure, enhances emotional intelligence, deepens relationships, and improves long-term well-being. In therapy, we often say that acknowledging vulnerability is the first step toward authentic self-awareness and growth,” notes the expert.

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