Deepika Padukone's sister Anisha says actor's depression caught her off-guard
Anisha Padukone said she did not recognise the signs when Deepika Padukone was dealing with depression. She said the experience pushed her to learn more about mental health and her own wellbeing.
Professional golfer Anisha Padukone, sister of actor Deepika Padukone, has opened up about how she failed to recognise the signs of depression when Deepika was going through one of the toughest phases of her life. Speaking to PTI, Anisha admitted she was caught off guard and said the experience motivated her to better understand mental health so she could support her sister.
Deepika has spoken candidly over the years about her battle with depression and how her family, particularly her mother, helped her seek professional support. Reflecting on that period, Anisha said living in different cities made it even harder for her to understand what Deepika was going through.
"For me personally, I was not aware enough about the signs and symptoms to be able to understand what she was really going through. The fact that we didn't live in the same city also didn't help, and I was really caught unaware and off guard. Her journey teaches me that I do not know enough about the subject and need to read and understand more in order to support her in the way that is required," she said.
Anisha added that witnessing her sister's experience also marked the beginning of her own mental health journey.
"That is also when my own mental health journey begins. I started taking better care of my mental health. As an athlete, I always focused on physical health, but not so much on mental health. The more I research and understand this subject, the more I realise that there are millions of people, not just in India but globally, going through similar experiences," she said.
When Deepika Padukone revealed her struggle with depression
Earlier, at an event organised by her Live Love Laugh Foundation, Deepika had recalled how she struggled with depression while living alone in Mumbai.
"For the longest time, I did not share it with anyone as I used to stay alone in Mumbai. When my mother came to see me in Mumbai and the day she was leaving for Bangalore, I suddenly broke down. My family asked me all sorts of questions about my work, but all I could say was, 'I don't know. I am just feeling helpless and hopeless. Mujhe jeena hi nahi hai (I don't want to live).' Thankfully, my mother recognised the signs and suggested I see a psychologist," the actor had said.
Deepika has also spoken about the stigma surrounding mental health in India, saying it often prevents people from seeking help. She has shared that speaking openly about her depression made her feel lighter, and has consistently emphasised that anxiety, stress and depression can affect anyone.
Meanwhile, the 40-year-old is pregnant with her second child. The news was announced through a joint post that included their daughter Dua. Deepika and Ranveer got married in November 2018 in a private destination wedding at Lake Como in Italy, and welcomed their first child in 2024.
On the work front, Deepika will next be seen in King, starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan. She also has Raaka, directed by Atlee and headlined by Allu Arjun, in the pipeline.
Professional golfer Anisha Padukone, sister of actor Deepika Padukone, has opened up about how she failed to recognise the signs of depression when Deepika was going through one of the toughest phases of her life. Speaking to PTI, Anisha admitted she was caught off guard and said the experience motivated her to better understand mental health so she could support her sister.
Deepika has spoken candidly over the years about her battle with depression and how her family, particularly her mother, helped her seek professional support. Reflecting on that period, Anisha said living in different cities made it even harder for her to understand what Deepika was going through.
"For me personally, I was not aware enough about the signs and symptoms to be able to understand what she was really going through. The fact that we didn't live in the same city also didn't help, and I was really caught unaware and off guard. Her journey teaches me that I do not know enough about the subject and need to read and understand more in order to support her in the way that is required," she said.
Anisha added that witnessing her sister's experience also marked the beginning of her own mental health journey.
"That is also when my own mental health journey begins. I started taking better care of my mental health. As an athlete, I always focused on physical health, but not so much on mental health. The more I research and understand this subject, the more I realise that there are millions of people, not just in India but globally, going through similar experiences," she said.
When Deepika Padukone revealed her struggle with depression
Earlier, at an event organised by her Live Love Laugh Foundation, Deepika had recalled how she struggled with depression while living alone in Mumbai.
"For the longest time, I did not share it with anyone as I used to stay alone in Mumbai. When my mother came to see me in Mumbai and the day she was leaving for Bangalore, I suddenly broke down. My family asked me all sorts of questions about my work, but all I could say was, 'I don't know. I am just feeling helpless and hopeless. Mujhe jeena hi nahi hai (I don't want to live).' Thankfully, my mother recognised the signs and suggested I see a psychologist," the actor had said.
Deepika has also spoken about the stigma surrounding mental health in India, saying it often prevents people from seeking help. She has shared that speaking openly about her depression made her feel lighter, and has consistently emphasised that anxiety, stress and depression can affect anyone.
Meanwhile, the 40-year-old is pregnant with her second child. The news was announced through a joint post that included their daughter Dua. Deepika and Ranveer got married in November 2018 in a private destination wedding at Lake Como in Italy, and welcomed their first child in 2024.
On the work front, Deepika will next be seen in King, starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan. She also has Raaka, directed by Atlee and headlined by Allu Arjun, in the pipeline.
