Need to talk about mental health until it is normalised: Shruti Haasan

Actress Shruti Haasan said that it is very important to normalise talking about mental health until the stigma attached to it disappears. On World Mental Health Day, she clarified that not everyone who goes to therapy may not be comfortable talking about it. But, those who open up are bringing awareness.

Speaking to Pinvilla, she said the stigma attached to openly talking about mental health issues is still stopping many people from accepting the problem. Shruti said she suffers from anxiety disorder and is still living with triggers.

She also opened up about her own experience with seeking help from professionals. The actress revealed that she was in therapy as a young person and that experience was completely different from the second time. "I realised I need to address this to live a better life for myself." She added that she wasn't sharing the therapy experience in real-time. But, after seeing the benefits and changes it brought in life, she is encouraged to speak up.

Speaking about dealing with stress and anxiety as a working woman, she said people found her to be "irritable" when under stress. "I always thought I was adequate as others but dealing with stress, I felt over-emotional and a bit on edge." She added that no one suggested that she might have anxiety and should seek help. "I would never be in one place long enough for anyone to know or notice the pattern. I think it is different for different people."

The actress said she is not afraid of being judged and now, at work, she asks people to consider her state of mind on difficult days. "I am not a fan of keeping calm and carrying on. Keep calm and talk about it. Find an appropriate way for you to carry on," she added.