Deepika also delved into her personal history and talked about her struggle with depression and anxiety which began in February of 2014, and how she often thought of "giving up."
Adding another feather to her cap, actor Deepika Padukone on Monday (local time) received the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos for spreading awareness on the importance of mental health.
The actor received the award on Martin Luther King Day and quoted the civil rights activist in her acceptance speech. "For in the words of Martin Luther King, everything that is done in this world is done with hope," she said.
Padukone started voicing her opinion on the importance of mental health through her foundation The Live Love Laugh Foundation (TLLLF) in June 2015.
Through the program, the actor launches nationwide awareness as well as destigmatisation campaigns. The foundation raises awareness on mental adolescence, mental health disorders and organises training sessions, research and lecture series that feature some of the most known thinkers and achievers.
"Live Love and Laugh exemplify my personal philosophy to life. The foundation aims to provide hope to every person experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression," the actor said.
Speaking about what she learned from her personal experiences of mental problems, she further said, "Mental illness has presented us all with a very tough challenge, but in my love-hate relationship with it, the illness has taught me much. To be patient for one, that you are not alone, but most importantly that there is hope."
Padukone was last seen in biographical-drama 'Chhapaak'. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the movie is based on the life of real-life acid attack survivor Laxmi, who was allegedly attacked by a spurned lover in 2005 at the age of 15.
Last Updated Jan 21, 2020, 11:45 AM IST