Ileana D’Cruz’s encounter with depression is a story you need to know

Remember Deepika Padukone‘s moving revelations on her battle with depression? As she narrated how she exited the gloomy phase, she also rekindled the assurance that depression is curable and there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

The story is not Deepika’s alone. Given that mental health is yet a matter of taboo in this country, public figures initiating conversations regarding the same always help. This time, actress Ileana D’Cruz has come forward to share hers.

Ileana was speaking at 21st World Congress of Mental Health on Sunday. (Also Read: Is ‘Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar’ based on depression? Arjun Kapoor clarifies)

“I was always a very self-conscious person and was picked on for my body type. I used to feel low and sad all the time but didn’t know I was suffering from depression and Body Dysmorphic Disorder till I got help. All I wanted to do was to be accepted by everyone. At one point, I even had suicidal thoughts and wanted to end things,” the actress said.

“You are a human being and are allowed to be imperfect; you are allowed to be flawed. There is a lot of beauty in your imperfections, in your uniqueness. You may look at us actors and think that ‘oh my god, they are so pretty, so perfect’, but that’s not how it is, it takes two hours to get ready and look like this. Love yourself for who you are and trust me if you are happy from within, you are the most beautiful person and your smile is your best asset,” she added.

It is rightly said that everyone of us fights a battle others know nothing about. Not just a Deepika or an Ileana, but every conversation on depression emphasises on discussion and seeking a specialist’s help.

The next time you feel your world’s about to end, you know you aren’t alone!

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.