World Mental Health Day 2025: 7 Bollywood Celebrities Who Battled Mental Illness: Know How They Overcome It

7 Indian celebrities faced depression and anxiety but overcame them. Let's know their inspiring mental health journeys this World Mental Health Day 2025.

Written By Mishika Gupta | Published : October 10, 2025 11:03 AM IST

Deepika Padukone

When Deepika Padukone posted her sentiments regarding her depression in 2015, it made India start viewing the concept of mental healthcare differently. She admitted that in spite of her massive success, she felt empty and hopeless. She managed to be put back on her feet with the help of treatment, drugs and her family. Deepika also, at the time, established his own Live Love Laugh foundation to raise awareness about mental health. She was outspoken, and so many millions of people turned in search of assistance.

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Ileana D'Cruz

Ileana D'Cruz revealed that she had experienced body dysmorphic disorder and depression. The actress conducted it through therapy and mindfulness to reveal how she managed to learn to be in love with herself and accept herself. She believes that self-pity and psychological support occurred in her life. With her voice, Ileana is currently working to raise mental awareness and body image among the youth in India.

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Anushka Sharma

The reality of Anushka Sharma telling her that she has a disease which she was not aware of in the form of anxiety disorder, was not the norm in Bollywood. The thing is that she frankly admitted that she has no objection to taking drugs and receiving therapy because it is one of the methods to normalise the process, where it is absolutely all right to need some helping hand. According to Anushka, mental disorders are as real as physical ones. Her message continues to resonate with young followers and encourages them to work better on their mental health and speak more frankly and openly about their experiences.

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Karan Johar

The mind of even the most powerful film maker of Bollywood Productions, Karan Johar, has not been free of mind infection. He has revealed that he was also a victim of chronic depression, and he had to see a therapist. Karan discussed the experience of feeling sad and feeling fear without understanding why this has happened, although he is a successful person in his career. It was also his frankness that made other film industry members cease being silent and seek some professional help when needed.

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Varun Dhawan

Being in high-energy positions, Varun Dhawan was learning the inability to sleep and having panic attacks provoked by the overload. The actor noted that he was overly ambitious to the extent of burnout. In order to have a chance to recuperate, Varun stopped to do yoga and spent some time on self-care. His story helps fans keep in mind that one can go on a mental vacation to concentrate on personal wellness and not work.

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Yo Yo Honey Singh

The music celebrity had been off the radar of individuals for almost two years, and those in the inner circles were alarmed. Honey Singh came out after some time, admitting that he was saddled with bipolar disorder and alcoholism. He came back to his normal life slowly with the help of specialised medical treatments, meditation and self-control. The fact that he returned was not only musical but also emotional. The story of Honey Singh shows humanity that everything is curable and that it is possible to overcome the issue with the help of the necessary help.

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Shaheen Bhatt

Shaheen Bhatt, a sister and the author of Alia Bhatt, has boasted of the cluster of depression that she has been subjected to in her life. She even featured in her book, I Have Never Been (Un)Happier, where she shared with people her worst moments and how the therapy and writing helped her through an experience of healing that the family added. Shaheen has been strong in her battle against emotional health issues and sensitises due to her boldness in bringing up the topic of mental illness in society.