WHY ARE ACTORS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DEPRESSION?
Kalyani Rohit, an actor and social activist who works with Project Kintsugi, a support group for divorce, domestic violence and mental health, says: “Suicide is not restricted to any specific professional like actors. It’s just that they’re in the spotlight and their lives are talked about a lot. However, speaking specifically of actors, their market value has a shelf life. For those who enjoy stardom, things get bland once they are forced to live a non-celebrity life after its best hours. I know. how hard it is to talk about depression. In the past, I faced the brunt of not being offered any roles after I opened up, and I understand why the Actors refrain from speaking and stay in their shells. They do it to avoid sabotaging their careers.”
ADDRESSING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF ACTORS
Weather Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artists Association) works for the welfare of actors and some big stars who are benevolent and donate funds to financially support struggling actors in the industry, an optimized system that allows them effective mental support is still lacking.
As Indians, we know that 911 is the emergency contact number in the United States of America. But do we know who to call when we need help in India?
He further added that the lack of adequate functional suicide helplines in the South is a major obstacle. Even the operational helpline numbers are, in most cases, manned by volunteers who are not trained or equipped to advise people who are in distress.
Similar to the disclaimers before movies that warn us about smoking and drinking alcohol; it is equally important to mention those on suicides and problems related to mental health.
Kalyani also said: “Just as sex education in recent times through movies is creating ripples of positive effects, mental health awareness must also become more widespread. The taboo associated with people opening up about their depression must breaking down avenues to discuss one’s problems with confidence and privacy is the need of the hour.”
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