Happy Birthday Deepika, Bollywood's Ambassador Of Mental Health

Deepika Padukone is surely one of the most celebrated faces of Indian Cinema today. From her commencement of the career with Om Shanti Om to her Hollywood debut opposite Vin Diesel in  xXx: Return of Xander Cage, Deepika's growth trajectory has proved what hard work and strong choices can do for you.

Besides known for some stellar performances, Deepika is also one of the very few celebrities to have opened up about her battle against depression, how it affected her and why the world needs to be more aware of the issue.

On her 32nd birthday today, let us know how she brought this important topic in limelight and urged everyone to look after their and their near ones' mental health.

Read Also: Deepika Padukone epitomizes the modern Indian woman

Talking about her own experience

She had a tremendous 2014 with appreciation pouring in from everywhere for her work. There was, however, something unusual she felt. She got in touch with a psychologist to ameliorate her mental condition. On being diagnosed with anxiety and depression, she took medication and counselling and got better. She took a two-month break from movies to recover. After returning to Mumbai, she heard about a friend's suicide, which jolted her. She then decided to break the stigma surrounding depression by speaking about it on television.

"If I can impact one life in this entire process of speaking up and letting people know that it's something I have been through and something that I could deal with because I had a fantastic support system."

Anxiety,Depression and Panic Attacks are not signs of weakness.They are signs of trying to remain strong for way too long.

— Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) December 31, 2014

Founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation

Besides sharing her experience with others, Deepika founded the Bengaluru-based Live, love, Laugh Foundation on October 10 (World Mental Health Day), 2015, with her counsellor Anna Chandy and her psychiatrist Dr Shyam Bhat along with Anirban Das and Nina Nair on board as trustees.

 Social Campaign - #DOBARAPOOCHO

Deepika's “Dobara Poocho” campaign was born out of the very need to look at someone again and ask them again and again if they are fine. The campaign urged people to look after their loved ones and encourage them to speak about their state of mind honestly.

She has also spoken about mental health and why it must be taken seriously on various summits and discussions.

We wish her luck for her future endeavours!

Read Also: I Want To Give Hope To Those Who Feel Hopeless: Anna Chandy