Deepika Padukone says she fears slipping into depression again

Deepika Padukone said that when she had come out to tell the world about her battle with depression, she didn't think of it as being brave or revolutionary.

She outlined the "big difference" between sadness and depression and said while people suffering from depression must be willing to seek help, those around them need to treat them with love and understanding as well.

She said that her experience with depression made her aware of her physical well-being.

"It has created so much awareness about my physical well-being. Because it was such a bad experience for me that I'm always aware now. Obviously, that fear of slipping into it again is there. I would never want to experience that again. So I'm always aware of my thoughts, feelings and emotions," Deepika said at an event on 'Finding Beauty in Imperfection', organised by Ficci Ladies Organisation (FLO).

She added, "I just felt that it was important for me to share something that was very personal to me, something that had changed my life, and something that I felt had a lot of stigma when I was experiencing it."

"I remember telling myself and all the people around me during my journey of recovery, and saying that if by sharing my story, I can even save one life... The purpose is that... Having this conversation is itself a huge step in that direction of change that our country really needs to see, and we are definitely headed in the right direction. But we have a long way to go."

The actress was at peace while she spoke how sharing her own experience of dealing with depression was life-changing for her.

"Sharing my experience with depression made me feel lighter. It was like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, I felt transparent with no fear of being judged," Deepika said, adding that it left her happier, more sensitive and aware with an understanding of how fragile life is.

She also has urged women to indulge in self-care and to take some time off their various roles for themselves without feeling guilty about doing so.

"Women have a tendency of feeling a lot of guilt. We are always trying to be perfect in playing different roles, so I feel it is important to take time for yourself and do it without guilt. Even if women go for a spa session, most women are thinking 'Oh, I have to go pick my kids from school' or 'My husband must be coming home'.

"Women are constantly worrying about someone else... But it's okay to take time for yourself and do it without guilt," Deepika said.

In a pristine white ensemble and with her hair neatly tied, Deepika gave a motivational talk on how she dealt with depression and the work being done by her NGO The Live Love Laugh Foundation, which was founded in 2015 and deals with mental health issues.

What Deepika was not ready to talk about was the speculation around her wedding to actor Ranveer Singh in November.

(With IANS Inputs)