World Mental Health Day: Shaheen Bhatt says, “I don’t see depression as a negative word”; calls her family “a great support system” : Bollywood News

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Shaheen Bhatt, in an exclusive interview with Firstpost, delved into her personal experiences dealing with mental health issues. She shared insights about her journey, the importance of open conversations surrounding mental health, and the unwavering support from her family, including notable figures like Alia Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt, and Soni Razdan.

World Mental Health Day: Shaheen Bhatt says, “I don’t see depression as a negative word”; calls her family “a great support system”

When asked about the significance of discussing mental health and emotional issues, Shaheen explained that it's one of the most crucial topics for people to address. "It’s probably one of the most important things people can talk about because everyone has a mind, and if you have mind, you have mental health.”

The author further added, “Our mental health is a volatile and dynamic thing as it changes from day to day. Mental health is such a huge part of our lives and people often confuse it with depression or anxiety, but that’s absolutely not true. Any conversation we have about it is absolutely vital.”

Shaheen went on to share the profound impact of her family's support since opening up about her own battle with depression. She asserted, “My family is my home, they are people that give me space and they are people that love me unconditionally. That’s also a place where I don’t feel any sense of judgement, I feel accepted and loved so they have been a great support system for me.”

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The conversation also touched upon the challenges of dealing with the flip side of social media, where insensitive comments and misconceptions about mental health prevail. Shaheen acknowledged that, while there will always be individuals who attempt to trivialise or misinterpret mental health issues, she views depression as neither a negative nor a dirty word. Instead, she embraces the opportunity to have meaningful discussions about it. She finds solace in knowing that she has contributed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.

Also Read: Shaheen Bhatt pens open letter to urge parents and students to reevaluate academic pressures: “Education is a journey, not a marathon”