‘I am dead against drugs’: Esha Deol reflects on battling false accusations, how they affected her mental health; ways to respond to baseless allegations

When faced with false claims, responding can feel like walking a tightrope — balancing the need to defend oneself while maintaining dignity and composure. 

What are the best strategies to respond to false accusations while protecting mental health and reputation?

Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, “When faced with false accusations, emotional regulation is crucial before responding. The instinctive reaction may be to defend oneself immediately, often with heightened emotions, but this can backfire. Instead, practicing techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or grounding can help manage anger, fear, and frustration, allowing for a calmer approach. It’s also important to assess whether a response is necessary.” 

“I was so depressed and hurt that I told my mom she could get my blood test done to check,” said Esha Deol (Source: Express Archives/ Dilip Kagda)

Not every accusation warrants an immediate or direct rebuttal, she adds, as engaging with baseless claims can sometimes escalate the situation. “Cognitive reframing, a psychological technique that shifts perspective on stressful events, can be valuable in determining the need for a response. Ask yourself: Will responding help clear my name, or will it fuel further controversy? Is my mental peace worth engaging with this?”

When addressing the accusation, focus on assertive communication rather than defensive or aggressive response. Assertiveness allows one to stand up for themselves with confidence while maintaining dignity.

Managing the emotional impact of baseless rumours

Khangarot mentions, “False accusations, especially from close ones or widely believed by the public, can lead to feelings of betrayal and emotional distress, often resulting in hypervigilance, withdrawal, or difficulty trusting others. Addressing this requires self-compassion — reminding oneself that they are not defined by others’ misperceptions — which can support emotional recovery. It’s equally important to detach self-worth from external opinions, as false accusations can feel like an attack on one’s identity.” 

Cognitive restructuring, which involves identifying and challenging irrational thoughts, can prevent these false narratives from damaging self-esteem. “Channeling emotions into constructive outlets such as physical activity, creative pursuits, or advocacy work can also help with emotional regulation,” addresses Khangarot.