On 10th Oct, World Mental Health Day, Deepika Padukone was appointed as the first-ever mental health ambassador of India. As a prominent public figure and celebrity with a long history of contributions to mental health, she is an idol well-suited for this position. Taking this initiative on World Mental Health Day makes it even more significant. It gives us a promising idea that the government is committed to destigmatizing mental health and promoting mental health awareness all over the nation.
Thus, we can say this collaboration between the Union Ministry of Family & Welfare and Deepika Padukone will make a positive impact on society. Hopefully, we’ll see greater accessibility to mental health care for marginalized communities, benefiting less privileged people. Now, let’s learn about Deepika Padukone’s mental health journey through her recent public interactions and interviews, and better understand her roles and responsibilities as a mental health ambassador.
Deepika Padukone’s Previous Contributions Towards Mental Health
“Mental Illness isn’t something that should be swept under the carpet”. Deepika Padukone openly shares that her contribution to mental health stems from her personal journey, including founding the Live, Love, Laugh Foundation and actively engaging in public awareness programs. Here’s how her story started:
Her Own Mental Health Journey:- In 2014, when Deepika suffered from anxiety and depression, she candidly shared about her series of struggles, like panic attacks, helplessness, and difficulty in seeking help. Finding out that in India, there exists a lack of awareness, in 2015, she decided to have open conversations on mental health and urged people to seek help rather than suffer in silence.
Founding Her Own Mental Health NGO:- Along with her sister, Anisha Padukone, Deepika co-founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation in 2015, which aims to raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma around stress and depression. The foundation has since actively conducted campaigns, partnerships, and educational programs.
Open Interviews And Conversations:- Since then, Deepika has been active in raising awareness about normalizing mental health through interviews, speeches, and campaigns. This also included international forums like the World Economic Forum in Davos. In this, she has covered various mindfulness tips, proper sleep, and exercise in maintaining positive mental health.
Officially Appointed As Mental Health Ambassador:- With these previous records, Deepika Padukone became officially the first-ever mental health ambassador in 2025. This will help the government more effectively implement mental health frameworks, educate people, and collaborate with Tele MANAS for counselling and support.
Final Words
This collaboration is profitable, as Deepika Padukone can use her influential platform to raise awareness of mental health conditions and normalize healthy conversations. With this, we can expect more public campaigns, education on early interventions, the promotion of accessible services, and expanded help for underprivileged populations. This will have a significant impact on India’s overall mental health market, with positive results for all.
