Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who has faced depression in the past, says mental health issues in India need to be addressed.
“The fight against depression is a cause very close to my heart and is one of the largest health issues facing the country today. Having experienced depression in the recent past, I realise how difficult it is to recognise the problem, find information and get the right kind of professional help,” Padukone said in a statement.
On Thursday, the actress launched on Twitter the logo of her Live Love Laugh Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to addressing mental health in India. The foundation’s logo, feature flying birds, is based on the idea of hope and freedom.
“I was fortunate to get the kind of support [I got] and through this platform I hope others get the same kind of help. My team and I are working hard to set up the foundation and the logo launch is a small step in that direction.”
The logo also has a baseline ‘Foundation Against Depression’ that represents its mission.
Padukone first spoke about her plans to set up the foundation in an interview with a news channel. She talked about how she had experienced depression and got professional help to overcome it.
The actress then decided to start an organisation that would focus on increasing awareness about mental health, reduce the stigma around it and enable support to people affected by mental health issues.
The foundation will engage with institutions, professionals and other organisations in the field of mental health.
