After the tragic suicide of the incredible actor Robin Williams, depression began to be perceived as a serious illness rather than just a ‘low phase’ in life. Yet, there are stigmas attached when it comes to mental illnesses, which make it difficult for people to open up. Many celebs, over the years, have come out with their mental illness as an attempt to nullify such stigmas. Akshara Gowda, the ‘stylish Thamizhachi’ from Arrambam and Bogan, has now opened up about her struggle with depression and her success at eventually getting over it.
The actress addressed her skeletons at an event organised by Seranti Organisation, founded by famous mind health practitioner Dr. Shyam Bhatt,“I have been suffering from this for about two years now. I told myself it’s just a phase and it will pass if I keep myself busy. I went to the US, and did my filmmaking course — but it didn’t go away. One day, I had this complete breakdown, and that’s when I realised that I should seek help,” she recalls.
Akshara admits that it was not easy to come to terms with the issue citing the society’s idea of depression — “I come from a conservative family, and even my mom would say, ‘They will call you mad,’ and things like that. It really stops you from opening up. But eventually, I approached Dr. Shyam Bhatt, who also treated Deepika Padukone.”
She adds that there is a disparity in the way physical and mental illness are perceived. “When you have the flu, you put up a status, and if you fracture your hand, you want people to write get-well-soon messages on the plaster — but why is it not the same when it comes to mental illness? So, I thought I should speak up.”
“I am not in the happiest phase of my life, but I’m content with what I am now. I want the same thing for everyone who is going through depression. I would want everyone to know that there is no shame in opening up about problems,” she concludes.
