Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone was honoured for her contribution in the field of mental health at the World Economic Forum (WEF), organised in Davos, Switzerland. She received the Crystal Award as the audience cheered for her.
Padukone has been named by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world; listed by Forbes magazine among the 10 highest-paid actresses in the world.
Recalling her own struggle with mental illness, she said, “I want to tell everyone suffering from this that you are not alone. It is time, people must understand depression and anxiety are like any other illness and can be treated.”
In 2014, she was diagnosed with clinical depression and sought professional help to aid recovery. In June 2015, the actress founded The Live Love Laugh Foundation to give hope to those suffering from stress, anxiety and depression.
While receiving the annual Crystal Award, she added, “In the time it has taken me to accept this award, one more person has committed suicide. One trillion dollars is the estimated impact of depression and mental illness on the world economy.”
Paduoke mentioned that acceptance is the first step to recovery. She shared that her own struggle and experience with depression and mental illness encouraged her to set up ‘Live Love Laugh’.
The actress has always been open about her struggle with depression and mental illness. She was last seen in Meghna Gulzar’s Chhapaak. The film has gained critical acclaim and also performed decently at the box office.
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