Somy Ali: To maintain stardom is what brings on the stress but we should pay attention to psychological wellbeing | Hindi Movie News

Reaching to the top in showbiz is full of struggle, but once you make it, to stay at that level is very stressful. Actress Somy Ali truly believes in it. On the occasion of World Mental Health Day today, the actress shares what it means to her. Somy says, “First of all, I would like to emphasise that this is the one day that actually matters to me personally for several reasons. If our mental health is not stable, our lives will inevitably remain meaningless and we will be simply breathing vegetables without a purpose. That’s in my opinion the worst way to be alive and to exist. What’s worse is that given the stigma attached to even bringing up mental health makes it so difficult for educated people to seek help let alone those who are not privileged enough nor had an opportunity to obtain an education. Thus, they don’t even have a concept of what mental health is and how much of a toll it takes in our survival if it isn’t addressed.”

People need to give mental health importance, she says, adding, “People run away from mental health issues even if they suffer from them or someone in their family needs help. It’s as if it’s the biggest taboo to even bring up the topic. Not everyone has the courage that Deepika Padukone displayed in a public forum by talking about her depression,” she says. The actress now runs a US-based NGO called No More Tears and works for the victims of domestic violence and rape in the region. She further adds, “People don’t pay any attention to their psychological wellbeing, but spend hours in the gym which is terribly sad as our minds and bodies are connected to an unimaginable degree. No matter how much muscle you gain, if your psyche is not on your side, all else is irrelevant and you will hit rock bottom and crash at some point. I have been there many times so I know how important it is to be inside my head and make sure it’s doing okay.” Ask her what is important for good mental health, and she says, “Routine, exercise, getting out of your house, having a healthy social circle, and above all, if you have the slightest doubt that something doesn’t seem right and you are constantly feeling sad, you must immediately seek help via a professional. It’s better to do that than worry about what society will think and end up dead.”