Deepika Padukone Honoured With Crystal Award At World Economic Forum; Speaks On Depression ‘Thought Of Giving Up’

Deepika Padukone, who was last seen in Meghna Gulzar’s film Chhapaak, headed off to Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum 2020. The actress was felicitated with Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2020 for her contribution to the cause of mental health. The actress opened up about her own struggle with depression and anxiety and how it motivated her to start Live Love Laugh. During her acceptance speech, Deepika Padukone spoke at length about her own experience dealing with her mental health.

In her acceptance speech, Deepika says, “In the time it has taken me to accept this award, the world has lost one more person to suicide. One trillion dollars is the estimated impact caused by anxiety and depression on the global economy.” Recounting her own struggle, she said that it was on February 15, 2014, that she vividly remembers waking up with a hollow feeling in her stomach. “I felt empty and directionless; I had become irritable, and for someone who loves to multitask, making decisions suddenly felt like a burden. I would cry endlessly. Waking up every morning had become a struggle. I was exhausted and I often thought of giving up,” she said. ALSO READ: Deepika Padukone Rejects Pradeep Sarkar’s Biopic On Binodini Dasi, Wants A Break From Emotionally Draining Films Post Chhapaak

Deepika Padukone said that it was her mother who recognized something was amiss and insisted that she seek professional help. She went on to reveal that she was then diagnosed with anxiety and clinical depression.

On the work front, Deepika Padukone will next be seen in Kabir Khan’s ’83, in which she will play the role of Kapil Dev’s wife Romi Bhatia, while Ranveer Singh will essay the role of legendary cricketer Kapil Dev.