New Delhi|HL
The ‘Mastani’ bollywood actress Deepika Padukone become the brand ambassador of Indian Psychiatric Society .
She attached with the society to spread awareness about mental health and help reduce the stigma associated with its ailments.
The Live Love Laugh Foundation (TLLLF) of Deepika’s non profit foundation come together to with develop outreach progrmmmes to highlighted mental health challenges in India. The Society, founded in 1947.
“Mental health of Indian citizens is a large and growing challenge for the country and the more resources we have to combat this issue, the better the chances that those who need help can secure the support they need.
“The Live Love Laugh Foundation and Indian Psychiatric Society have a shared vision to make mental health a priority for the government and for society at large. I am very pleased to support the activities of the Indian Psychiatric Society in my role as their brand ambassador,” Deepika said.
She has offered her support on “pro bono basis”, the foundation quoted her as saying in a statement.
The 30-year-old actress has been vocal about her struggle with mental anxiety and depression a few years ago, and last year had shared the experiences with media.
According to Dr G Prasad Rao , President Indian Psychiatric Society “We needed a person who could advocate the issues associated with mental health especially the stigma, and we are happy that Deepika has agreed to become our brand ambassador
“As per a latest published study, in India, about 5 per cent of the total population suffers from major or minor depression, 2-2.5 per cent from bipolar disorder and about 1 per cent from schizophrenia, while 15 per cent are suffering from mental anxiety disorder,” Rao said.
He said that as part of the agreement with TLLLF, the Indian Psychiatric Society will assist it in the nationwide roll-out of a sensitisation program on mental health for doctors called Together Against Depression.
“The programme, conducted in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association, commenced in May with a webinar for doctors, from various specialities, and had nearly 2,000 participating doctors. The aim is to expand it to 5,000 doctors, by the end of this financial year,” he said.
Rao said “most of the psychiatric disorders are found in the adolescent age group, and we hope Deepikas presence would give a boost to our drive”.
India has 50 million mental health patients i.e largest number in the world.
