The evolution from a pretty young girl into one of the finest actors that we have today has been a fairy tale come true. Deepika Padukone seemed to have it all going for her ... till she came out and openly disclosed her struggles with her own Black Dog (Depression). The price of fame is too high. Celebrities and public figures are open to scrutiny, ridicule, praise, and admiration or hate. Life in the Limelight must be nowhere close to Life in Reality. Can you imagine, even for a second if your personal life were subject to public discussion? Imagine every word you spoke was open to a million misinterpretations? Imagine if you will, being placed under a huge microscope and being watched 24 hours by people whom you don’t even know. It’s tough being a celebrity especially now when the speed at which your actions can be put across the world in a jiffy to be lapped up by hungry wolves.
Her acknowledgement, acceptance & dealing with Depression must have been the bravest decision of her life. It will only enable her to do greater things... Oh how we put pressure on others. We can only wish her happiness and an interesting life.
The Live Love Laugh Foundation founded by Deepika Padukone aims to reach out to others going through depression and mental illness and not let this lonely disease wreak it’s havoc and deprive the joy of living that is everyone’s right.
Their video, “Dobara Poocho” is a well intentioned effort to increase this awareness and let all of us know that we all have a chance to deal with our fears, pressures and anxieties… and we all have a chance to help others deal with their own demons (black dogs). However, we all do not have the ability to help a loved one who is feeling more than just sadness or an anxiety attack. A gentle arm around the shoulder, a holding of hands, a long drive can help break the hard ice and let the river of the heart flow out into the open. The unscrewing of the bottle of pent up anger & frustration is the one of the first steps to healing. But more is needed. Sadness & Depression are not the same thing. The road ahead in case of Depression is very important. Constant monitoring and assistance under a professional, trained counsellor is the key to a better recovery. Get professional help. Your shoulders may not be available all the time. Your friend can so easily plunge back…..this time even more deeper into their own hell.
We as a society need to understand that there is a lot of pressure to appear happy and conform to the current trends. How I wish for a world where just “being yourself and letting others be themselves” would be the norm. Expecting more from someone else just enables you to take away their life. Empowering someone else enables them to take charge of their life.
We all need to understand that we all are different.
We all need to understand that a mask only hides our own fears.
I am not fine….and I want to cry, shout and run away.
We need to listen and understand more of this.
Thank You… & God Bless Ms. Padukone.