Eklavya Sood on mental health awareness: We are not afraid to ask for help anymore

Recently, president Draupadi Murmu, in an exclusive interview with Smriti Irani, spoke about depression and mental health. Actor Eklavya Sood, who is currently part of the web series Raisinghani v/s Raisinghani, says that such conversations are mandatory to survive today.

“The conversation in the media was started by Deepika Padukone in 2015, when she came out and spoke about depression. Shushant Singh Rajput's tragic demise, also shook people as there were theories that he, too, was depressed. I think it is very important to talk about these things. Earlier, people were very scared to talk about mental health issues. I sort of come from a small town and I have a few friends who have gone through mental health issues, and their parents did not take it very well. But once these conversations started, I think it became very normal to go see a therapist, to go see a psychiatrist, and it's very normal to ask for help. I think because of these conversations, we are not afraid anymore to tell people what you are going through and have an open conversation about your emotions.” he says.

He adds, “There's a theory that if you write a problem down, half of it is solved already. So, if you talk about your problems and if you genuinely want to help change the course, then I think it's in the right direction and you'll probably be getting help from it.”

He says that a strong support system is integral while dealing with mental health. “There are times when I feel low, I am anxious as well. But I think it’s how I deal with these things that has evolved. I have a very strong family support and I have great friends. They've been very kind to hear out my problems and have supported me through my low times. It's through them that I am able to find positive energy, ” he says.