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Deepika Shares Powerful Post About Depression Following Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain’s Deaths

byJinal Bhatt
13th June 2018
3 minute read

In a span of merely few days, the world lost two immensely talented individuals to depression and suicide. The shocking passing of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, has yet again brought into light the extremely important dialogue about mental health awareness and depression.

And speaking up, yet again, is a survivor, actress Deepika Padukone.

Forbes
Image Source

The actress battled depression in 2014. It was her mother who spotted the signs and got her the help she needed. Deepika started the The Live Laugh Love Foundation to champion the cause of mental health awareness.

Deepika regrammed an Instagram post shared by her Foundation, a message that tactfully answers a misguided question. How does someone so rich, famous and successful “fall” into depression and take such an extreme step?

The post begins with a startling statistic from the World Health Organisation, that every 40 seconds a person dies by suicide. Calling depression a growing epidemic, the post goes on to talk about the deaths of Spade and Bourdain.

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“They did not take their own lives. DEPRESSION did.”

Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain were pioneers in their respective fields. They both carved a niche for themselves by doing the unexpected. They not only changed the world of fashion and food forever, but were also loved by millions across the world. To the outside world, they seemed happy. They seemingly ‘had it all’. Then how did they ‘fall’ into depression?

The post addresses a rather frustrating misconception about depression.

We don’t ask why someone who “had it all” was detected with a fatal illness, why someone who “had it all” broke their foot or why someone who “had it all” met with an accident. Just like all other illnesses, depression does not discriminate.

The element of depression that is greatly misunderstood is the belief that you have control over your illness. In reality, you don’t. The illness will creep into your life, and if left untreated, may completely engulf you. You are not in the driver’s seat anymore, the illness is. It will tell you where to go, what to eat, and when to sleep.

“Asking someone to just ‘snap out of it’ is the equivalent of telling someone with a broken leg to continue walking.”

The post concluded with a powerful appeal to everyone to keep their eyes and ears open and watch out for someone who might be in need of their help.

The only way forward is to continuously champion the need for mental health awareness. The next time you feel something is amiss amongst family, friends or co-worker, do not hesitate to ask them if they are okay. It may seem like prodding, they may think you are being inquisitive or you may come across as pushy. Even if they do not open up, let them know you that you are there for them when they are ready to open up. One act of kindness and compassion can save a life and #TogetherAgainstDepression we can make a difference.

Here’s the post:

The message is loud and clear, and has been repeated ample of times: Mental health matters and it is time we fight the stigma against depression before we lose those who are important to us, together.

If you know someone, or suspect someone, who exhibits these signs, be there for them. Show them, #YouAreNotAlone.

Cover Image Source: Instagram

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