After the sudden demise of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput in Mumbai there has been a lot of discussion on mental health and depression. As per police reports, the actor was battling clinical depression and was consulting a psychiatrist.
The untimely demise of a very talented and much loved actor has sent shock waves not just in the entertainment world but across the country. The actor rose to fame as Manav in Ekta Kapoor’s Pavitra Rishta on TV and later did films like Kedarnath, Kai Po Che, Shudd Desi Romance and M S Dhoni.
Post Sushant’s death many issues of nepotism and the cruel/harsh working of the Bollywood industry have emerged out like a can of worms. But, most importantly, there has been a lot of talk on mental health and depression. This is definitely needed in India, as seeing a shrink, or accepting that you suffering from a mental illness is considered taboo. There is always a ` you will get over it mentality.’
’Many people/actors who have suffered have come forward and said, “we need to be more compassionate, understanding and helpful towards our coworkers. Because a single incident, loss of work, ganging up against a single individual can make one feel isolated. And self isolation can trigger you in a dark alley of hopelessness and can push you towards suicide.”
Actors talk on understanding Depression
Dr Prakriti Poddar, an expert in mental health, MD, Poddar Foundation and Director, Poddar Wellness Ltd taking to Times Now Digital spoke on why suicides and mental illness are becoming common among celebs today while taking the unfortunate example of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
Depression, also known as clinical depression, is often a silent killer, yet, many people who suffer from mental health disorder never seek help during their entire lives. Depression is a mood disorder and more than just a bout of the blues. It causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
A lot of people conceal their depression like pros – as they mask their symptoms and put on a ‘happy face’ for others. Research suggests that stereotypes about mental illness often stop people from speaking out or seeking treatment.
In recent years, many stars, including Deepika Padukone and Sophie Turner, have opened up about their battles with mental illness
Depression is like any other illness
A passer by on a news channel was being interviewed by a TV journalist and had this to say, Sushant Singh jaisa actor suicide karega to hum log jaise log kya karenge. (if an actor like Sushant Singh Rajput commits suicide, what will a common man do).
An actor with a networth of 60 crores, paying a rent of more than 4.5 lakh per month and a owner of a piece of land on moon. It seems the Chhichhore actor had bought a piece of land on the blind side of the moon, in a region called Mare Musco. Full of zest and passion; It is probably difficult to digest as why the actor took his own life.
To this Superstar Deepika Padukone has an answer. She has battled and conquered depression over the years. She says, “depression too is an illness just like diabetes and cancer.’
“Every 40 seconds, a person dies by suicide (WHO). We are reminded of these grave statistics when the loss is centered around prominent individuals who are mourned across the world,’ the actor wrote in 2018 after the deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. So, Sushant didn’t really take his own life but depression did.”
‘Depression today is a growing epidemic, yet there is so much stigma attached to it that individuals are often dissuaded from seeking help,’ Deepika had said on her twitter account.
‘Asking someone to just ‘snap out of it’ is the equivalent of telling someone with a broken leg to continue walking.’ You may read the full post here !
‘I would say you are not alone. I want people to know that they are not alone. One in five is suffering from depression, ‘We have to help each other. It’s okay to be vulnerable,’ she said.
‘Mental health should not be treated differently,’ the actor had added.
Sushmita Sen too has asked her fans and viewers to never quit in life, to keep fighting till the end and to always seek help when in need. She put the post with an image reading out: “Protect your peace”.
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Shamita Shetty who too has battled depression said on Instagram, “anyone of us can go through it…recognize it..accept it..n reach out for help in whichever way you can!! It can pull you into a very dark place, where hope n happiness don’t exist.. it tries to break u.. it feeds on every part of ur soul.. everything hurts, you become your own worst enemy in this dark terrible world..it becomes ur reality!! The world we live in doesn’t know ur journey.. yet it’s so prompt to judge! To hate! Waiting to pull u down!! U fall in the eyes of ur own goals n expectations n u start to judge urself ,then..u MAKE ur reality a dark one! But none of that matters as this is your journey n urs alone !!!” she wrote in an Instagram post.
What is Depression ? Phases of Depression
Experts say that there are three phases of depression that are mild, moderate, or severe. Being sad, feeling anxious or vulnerable is a part of life. However, one must need to check if these feelings stay for more than a week. One of the major symptoms of depression is a change in sleep patterns. Though, the most common problem is ‘insomnia’.
While some people feel an increased need for sleep, others experience a lack of sleep leading to extreme tiredness, loss of energy, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Loss of appetite is another common symptom.
- If you constantly suffer from fatigue, check out on yourself.
- Lack of concentration, less interest in activities, and less energetic are other symptoms.
- If you often suffer from frustration, anger, and anxiousness, it’s time to look out for yourself.
- Overthinking and feeling of helplessness, worthlessness, or guilty.
- Agitation or severe anxiety/panic attacks
- Not treating the disease will disrupt the daily life, provoking life-threatening thought.
- Talking is a remedy. You can be at ease just by talking.
- Attend psychotherapy regularly.
- Some medications are prescribed.
- Intaking drugs, alcohol can trigger your depressive symptoms.
- Engage yourself by being in present.
- Exercise regularly as it can help uplift your mood.
- Sleep on time to avoid overthinking.
- Work on your goals.
Not all people who are depressed can be suicidal. So, look out for yourself. Depression is a disease that can be healed. Check on your near and dear ones. Try to not let your blue thoughts rule over your mind.
Need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918
