World Mental Health Day 2026: Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt and Shraddha Kapoor have helped bring mental health into the spotlight by speaking publicly about their personal experiences. Their stories highlight the importance of emotional well-being, seeking professional help and breaking the stigma surrounding depression and anxiety.

Observed every year on October 10, World Mental Health Day encourages people to discuss psychological well-being and recognise the importance of accessible mental health care. In India, where emotional struggles are often misunderstood or dismissed, conversations led by public figures can help people feel less alone.

Here are six Bollywood actors whose public statements have contributed to greater awareness of mental health.

1. Deepika Padukone: Speaking Openly About Depression

Deepika Padukone became one of India’s most prominent mental health advocates after sharing her experience with clinical depression in 2015. Despite her professional success, she described going through a difficult period marked by emotional distress and feelings of emptiness.

Her experience challenged the assumption that fame, money and career achievements automatically lead to happiness. Deepika also highlighted the importance of recognising symptoms and seeking professional support rather than suffering silently.

Through her Live Love Laugh Foundation, she has worked to raise awareness about mental health and encourage conversations about emotional well-being.

Her story reminds people that depression can affect anyone, regardless of their circumstances or achievements. It also highlights the importance of taking psychological symptoms seriously.

Her message: Mental health deserves attention, understanding and appropriate treatment, just like physical health.

2. Anushka Sharma: Anxiety Is a Health Concern, Not a Weakness

Anushka Sharma has spoken publicly about experiencing anxiety and receiving treatment for it. In a 2015 interview with Vogue India, she discussed her experience with anxiety and medication, challenging the stigma associated with psychiatric care.

Her openness helped question the belief that people should simply overcome emotional difficulties through willpower. Anxiety can affect everyday activities, relationships and concentration, making professional assessment and support important when symptoms become persistent or overwhelming.

By acknowledging her experience, Anushka helped normalise conversations about mental health among people who might otherwise hesitate to seek help.

Her comments also reinforce an important distinction: looking confident and functioning well professionally does not mean someone is free from emotional struggles.

Her message: Seeking treatment for mental health concerns should be as acceptable as consulting a doctor for a physical illness.

3. Hrithik Roshan: The Importance of Therapy

Hrithik Roshan has spoken about personal growth, emotional well-being and the role therapy has played in his life. In a public message shared around World Mental Health Day in 2023, he reflected on how therapy had helped him become more productive, compassionate towards himself and peaceful.

His comments helped challenge the misconception that therapy is only for people experiencing severe mental health crises. In reality, professional counselling can help individuals navigate stress, difficult experiences, relationships and major life changes.

Hrithik’s reflections also highlight the importance of self-awareness. Understanding emotional patterns and learning healthier ways to respond to challenges can be valuable parts of personal development.

Therapy is not a quick fix, and different people benefit from different approaches. However, seeking professional guidance can provide a supportive environment in which to understand and address emotional difficulties.

His message: Working on your mental health is an ongoing process, and seeking help can be a meaningful step towards personal growth.

4. Shah Rukh Khan: Success Does Not Prevent Emotional Struggles

Shah Rukh Khan has discussed experiencing a difficult emotional period following a shoulder injury and the physical challenges associated with it. His public comments about going through a depressive phase illustrated how unexpected setbacks can affect emotional well-being.

Physical pain, disrupted routines and recovery from an injury can influence mood and mental health. These challenges can affect people from every profession, including those who appear confident and successful.

His experience offers a reminder that emotional struggles should not be judged by someone’s public image. People may continue working, socialising and fulfilling responsibilities while privately dealing with difficult feelings.

It is also important to distinguish between temporary sadness and clinical depression, which requires appropriate professional assessment.

His message: Difficult periods can affect anyone, and emotional well-being deserves care and attention regardless of social status.

5. Alia Bhatt: Learning to Acknowledge Your Feelings

Alia Bhatt has spoken about experiencing anxiety and moments of unexplained sadness. In an interview with Vogue India, she described times when she felt like crying without understanding exactly why.

Her reflections highlight the importance of acknowledging emotions rather than immediately dismissing them. People sometimes convince themselves that their feelings are unimportant or that they should always appear happy, particularly in demanding professional and social environments.

Recognising emotional changes can help individuals understand when they need rest, support or professional guidance. Talking with trusted friends and family members can also make difficult experiences easier to communicate.

However, persistent sadness or anxiety that interferes with everyday life should not be ignored.

Her message: You do not have to pretend that everything is fine. Giving yourself permission to acknowledge your emotions is an important part of emotional well-being.

6. Shraddha Kapoor: Understanding and Accepting Anxiety

Shraddha Kapoor has spoken about experiencing anxiety over several years and learning to understand her symptoms. Her public comments in 2019 drew attention to the ways anxiety can sometimes manifest through physical discomfort as well as emotional distress.

Anxiety affects people differently. Some experience persistent worry or restlessness, while others notice difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep or physical sensations. These symptoms can have different causes, so professional assessment is important when they persist.

Shraddha’s experience highlights the value of self-awareness and learning to respond to emotional difficulties with patience rather than self-criticism.

Her openness also helps challenge the idea that people should hide anxiety because it might make them appear vulnerable.

Her message: Understanding your mental health is an important step towards finding the right support and learning how to manage difficult experiences.

World Mental Health Day 2026: A Reminder to Put Mental Health First

The experiences shared by these six Bollywood actors demonstrate why mental health conversations matter. Depression and anxiety are not signs of personal failure, and seeking professional support should never be a source of shame.

This World Mental Health Day, people can take small but meaningful steps towards better emotional well-being: checking in with friends, listening without judgement, maintaining healthy routines and consulting qualified professionals when needed.

It is equally important to remember that everyone’s experience is different. Celebrity stories can encourage awareness, but they cannot replace personalised medical advice or treatment.

The takeaway: Mental health matters every day, not just on October 10. By listening, showing compassion and making professional support easier to access, society can help create an environment where people feel comfortable asking for help instead of struggling in silence.

Also Read: Nicole Scherzinger Sequin Bikini: PCD Forever Tour Dublin Fashion Guide