Bollywood Star Discusses Impact of Burnout on Decision-Making at World Mental Health Day Event
Deepika Padukone, renowned Bollywood actress and new mother, recently shared insights into her mental health journey and the challenges of decision-making while sleep-deprived or burned out. Speaking at the Live Love Laugh Foundation Lecture series, held in honor of World Mental Health Day 2024, Padukone engaged in a candid conversation with Arianna Huffington about the importance of self-care and mental well-being.
During the event, Padukone reflected on how lack of sleep and burnout can significantly affect her decision-making abilities. “When you are sleep-deprived or burnt out, the decisions that you make (get affected),” she explained. “I can tell that my decision-making is getting affected to some extent on days when I’m feeling stressed or burnt out because I haven’t slept enough or practiced my self-care rituals.”
The actress, known for her openness about mental health struggles, emphasized the normalcy of experiencing extreme emotions. She encouraged a shift in perspective, urging people to view criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than associating it solely with negativity. “It’s absolutely normal and human to feel pain, anger, and some of these extreme emotions and learning from that,” Padukone stated. “The larger picture is how do you deal with that criticism and how do you use it positively and work on yourself.”
Padukone’s comments highlight the ongoing importance of mental health awareness and self-care, especially for new parents and individuals in high-pressure environments. Through her organization, the Live Love Laugh Foundation, she continues to promote open dialogue about mental health issues and encourages seeking help when needed.
As a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, Padukone’s willingness to discuss her personal experiences contributes to destigmatizing mental health conversations in India and beyond. Her insights serve as a reminder of the universal nature of mental health challenges and the value of prioritizing emotional well-being alongside professional success.