She credited her mother for immediately recognising the signs and seeking professional help, which proved to be a turning point.”I was very lucky that my mother noticed and immediately reached out to a psychologist,” she said.Padukone, who first spoke publicly about her depression in 2015, noted that mental health was once a taboo subject in India.”There was a time when people thought, ‘How can I have depression? And if I do, I won’t tell anyone.’ As soon as I started talking about this illness, I started feeling so free and light. From there, my journey towards mental health awareness began,” she said.Quoting from Prime Minister Modi’s book Exam Warriors, she urged students to embrace his message: “Express, never suppress.””So always express yourselves, whether it’s with your friends, family, parents, or teachers; journaling is a great way to express yourself,” she added.Offering advice on exam stress, Padukone reassured students that feeling stressed is natural but handling it correctly is key.”Being stressed is natural, and it is a part of life. How we handle it is the important thing. Having patience is important regarding the exams and the results. We can only do what is in our control. We can sleep well, hydrate well, exercise, and meditate.”She also highlighted the importance of sleep, calling it a “freely available superpower.””You must go out for adequate sunlight and fresh air. Always reach out for help.”
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