Mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety affect millions of people worldwide, including high-profile celebrities. In India, several prominent figures have broken their silence and shared their struggles with mental health, helping to reduce the stigma surrounding these conditions. These celebrities have raised awareness and encouraged countless others to seek help by opening up about their personal battles. This article explores 10 Indian celebrities who have faced depression and anxiety, detailing their struggles and how they worked toward healing. Let’s check out 10 Indian celebrities with depression and anxiety issues.
1. Deepika Padukone – Depression
One of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Deepika Padukone, shocked the world when she revealed her battle with depression in 2015. Despite her immense success, Padukone struggled with feelings of emptiness and hopelessness, which led her to seek professional help. She underwent therapy and took medication to manage her depression. In 2015, Padukone founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation to raise awareness about mental health in India and to encourage others to seek help without stigma. (Source)
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2. Shah Rukh Khan: One of the Indian Celebrities with Depression
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has admitted that he went through a period of depression following a serious injury in 2010. The injury, coupled with the stress of recovery, left him feeling mentally drained and depressed. Khan described his experience as a difficult time but said that he managed to overcome it through self-reflection and support from his family. His openness about his struggle encouraged more discussions around mental health among his fans. (Source)
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3. Anushka Sharma – Anxiety
Actress Anushka Sharma has been candid about her experience with anxiety. She revealed that she had been dealing with anxiety for several years and sought therapy to manage her condition. Sharma highlighted the importance of professional help, saying that she was not ashamed to take medication to cope with her anxiety. By speaking about her experience, Sharma has contributed to normalizing mental health care in India, particularly among young people. (Source)
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4. Hrithik Roshan – Depression
Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan opened up about his struggles with depression in 2016. He revealed that despite his outward success, he faced intense bouts of depression and anxiety, which left him feeling emotionally exhausted. Roshan sought therapy and embraced a positive mindset, using exercise, meditation, and self-care to regain control of his mental health. He has since encouraged others to view mental health issues as normal and to seek help without hesitation. (Source)
Also Read Web story: 7 Bollywood Celebrities Who Suffered Depression
5. Karan Johar – Anxiety & Depression
Filmmaker and producer Karan Johar publicly admitted to suffering from anxiety and depression. In his autobiography An Unsuitable Boy, Johar discussed how he often felt overwhelmed by the pressures of the film industry, leading to panic attacks and depressive episodes. He sought treatment, including therapy and medication, to manage his mental health. Johar continues to advocate for open conversations about mental health in India, especially in high-stress industries. (Source)
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6. Ileana D’Cruz – Body Dysmorphic Disorder & Depression
Actress Ileana D’Cruz has been vocal about her battle with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), which led to severe depression and anxiety. D’Cruz revealed that her obsessive thoughts about her appearance made her feel unworthy and resulted in long-term mental health struggles. She sought therapy and continues to work on improving her mental health. D’Cruz has used her platform to raise awareness about BDD and the importance of seeking professional help for mental health issues. (Source)
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7. Yo Yo Honey Singh – Bipolar Disorder & Alcoholism
Popular rapper and music producer Yo Yo Honey Singh disappeared from the public eye for several years, later revealing that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and struggled with alcoholism. Singh described his experience as terrifying, with extreme mood swings and feelings of isolation. He sought medical help and entered rehab to address his mental health and addiction issues. Singh’s story highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of mental illness and the value of professional intervention. (Source)
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8. Manisha Koirala – Depression
Veteran actress Manisha Koirala, who battled ovarian cancer, also faced severe depression during her recovery. The trauma of the illness and its treatment took a toll on her mental health, leading to feelings of hopelessness and sadness. Koirala sought therapy and spiritual healing to overcome her depression. She later wrote about her journey in her memoir, Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life, and now advocates for both mental and physical well-being. (Source)
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9. Randeep Hooda – Depression
Actor Randeep Hooda has spoken about his struggles with depression, particularly after his intense role in Sarbjit, a film that took a psychological toll on him. Hooda revealed that he became emotionally detached and felt lost after filming ended. He sought therapy and used horse riding and fitness as ways to cope with his depression. Hooda encourages others to take mental health seriously and to find healthy outlets for emotional stress. (Source)
10. Parineeti Chopra – Depression & Burnout
Actress Parineeti Chopra experienced depression and burnout after a series of professional failures and personal struggles. Chopra admitted that she hit rock bottom and lost her self-confidence, leading to months of emotional suffering. She eventually sought therapy and took time off to focus on self-care and healing. Chopra’s transparency about her mental health journey has inspired many to understand that success doesn’t prevent emotional struggles, and that seeking help is crucial for recovery. (Source)
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The stories of these Indian celebrities with depression and anxiety highlight that mental health issues do not discriminate, affecting individuals regardless of fame and success. Their willingness to share their experiences has played a crucial role in reducing stigma and encouraging conversations about mental health in India. Whether through therapy, medication, or self-care, these celebrities have shown that seeking help is the first step toward healing and that mental health should always be a priority.