I was vulnerable. I was honest

SPEAKING UP ABOUT DEPRESSION HAS ALLOWED OTHER PEOPLE TO ADDRESS THEIR OWN MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, SAYS DEEPIKA PADUKONE

- Priyanka Bhadani

It was in 2015 that I first spoke about depression. Since then, not a day goes by when someone around me does not acknowledge that they have become more aware of their mental health. And that is where I feel great. I was vulnerable. I was honest. And I am glad that my honesty has paid off. I am glad that it has allowed other people to address their own mental health issues.

The first step to recovery in cases of mental health, I believe, is acknowledging and accepting. It was really liberating for me. I would do it all over again. Of course, for someone who has been through it, you start identifying the signs and symptoms. And that is the best part. Once it has happened to you, you will always know when it is happening again. It is always easier to identify it and act upon it. Over time, I have started realising what my trigger points are. While working on my recent film Chhapaak, for example, it is just the role that took a toll on me.

I could not identify a trigger point, it was the role itself that was a trigger point.