Pratyusha Death: TV actors talk about 'depression'

As Pratyusha Banerjee's suicide brings the focus on the glamour world, its denizens refuse to buy the story that depression exists only in their profession. Here's what they have to say on the issue...

Vishal Singh

Depression is a reality; it is universal. It’s just that the issues faced by glamourous people are highlighted more. Farmers die, but it does not become national news. On the day India was playing against West Indies, a bridge in Kolkata collapsed, but people were only interested in the match. I've also been at point, when I didn't know what to do in life. At that time, my family was my permanent support. Our parents do so much for our life.  People must keep their support system intact.

Arjun Bijlani

Depression is a reality, especially since our work profile is unstable. One day, you're a star, and the next day- a nobody. The graph of an actor keeps changing from time to time. Sometimes they also sacrifice a lot to get into the industry that depression is bound to set in when things don't work out. An actor should come prepared into this industry, and should have an alternate work option. If you are suffering from depression, one should visit a psychiatrist, counselling can help sometimes. Besides, people should also learn to recognise the symptoms in a friend, instead of leaving them alone. I faced depression when my dad passed away, but I fought back and talked to my mom. Talking it out makes you feel better. You should also develop a goal or interest and make things work out

Ssharad  Malhotraa

Depression is a reality. Everyone has mood swings, so having a right set of friends or support system is important. I do have close friends who I can bank on.  It’s true that the emotional baggage is more, courtesy name, fame and money, but people from all walks of life can feel depressed. One must always maintain optimism and focus on what we have. One shouldn't forget it is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice.

Rashami Desai

Optimism is a way of life and should always be. Everyone goes through ups and downs. Besides, name, fame and money are all transient, but peace and happiness will always stay with you. Your family counts the most. The right support system will enable you to maintain your sanity. Tough times never last, but tough people do. One must keep patience and believe in oneself. Self-confidence and assurance is a must. I have had my lows, but always had my support system in place. Career is important part of life, but it's not everything. Finding a balance between your personal and professional life is mandatory.

Shivin Narang

 I don't think I am the right person to comment on this, but depression is mostly a result of what we are going through at work or in our personal lives. If the feeling of not being good enough or worthlessness persists for a long time, then we give it the name of depression. This feeling prevails, more or less, everywhere in this world. But since we look up to celebrities, we feel it’s more common in the glamour industry and people like to make stories and theories out of it.  I know that if I feel sad, there is always a reason behind it, I try to solve it or look for alternatives. I don't blame anyone for anything, and if I ever fail, I know it's not the end - be it work, relationships or any loss. Life is too short, so I live the way I want it.

Shashank Vyas

No problem in life is bigger than life itself. Surround yourself with positive people. There's a difference in people who know you completely and people, who know you because of your work. Keep those people close to you who value you. Glamour world is always targeted and painted as a place where depression is rampant because people are public figure. Suicides happen outside this profession also. I don't really understand the word, 'depression'. I focus on my work and don't take success and failure too seriously. It's a 'part' of life and not life itself. I am thankful to God for what he has given to me.

Tinaa Dattaa

Depression is a reality irrespective of the profession. Emotional attachments, broken relationships and a failing career often lead to disappointment and frustration. Glamour industry is targeted only because our lives are too public. The entertainment world is vulnerable to it as its high on insecurities. I have experienced depression; in fact everyone has experienced it at some point of time in their life. Suicide is surely not a solution. One must have the right set of friends, who you can honestly share everything. I have my set of people who keep me grounded and positive.

Mrunal Jain

Depression is a stark reality. When we don't get what we want or when expectations don't match reality, depression sets in. One must have close emotional bonds with one or two people, who love you unconditionally. There should be someone with whom you can be yourself. I have experienced depression; it's normal. It becomes an issue when we are in denial. If you express what you feel, the pain won’t stay. But one must also stay positive. Depression seems prevalent in the glamour industry, because it is in the limelight. Depression exists in all fields.

Mohammad Nazim

Depression exists everywhere. It’s a normal thing. It's an issue if the degree increases beyond a point. Since the entertainment industry brings with it the baggage of name, fame and money, people tend to get carried away by it. Besides, right friends are not easy to get. And since the glamour industry is not an easy one to survive, we find ourselves in vulnerable situations. We shouldn’t forget our roots. I haven't faced depression as I keep myself busy - professionally with my work and personally, by gymming; it keeps me happy and sorted.

Meghna Malik

Depression is for real. I'm not sure if it's rampant only in glamour world. In our industry, it can be attributed to various factors - right from being in the public eye and under scrutiny all the time, chaotic schedules, stressful working hours, bad eating habits and less sleep. Ours is a very lonely job, where our interaction with reality or society is limited. I love my profession, but I keep my head on my shoulders and stay focused.

Gunjan Utreja

Depression is a reality, but it's unfair to assume that it happens only in the glamour world. It's a complex mental state and multiple reasons contribute to it. It's just that actors get written about, so it seems as if most actors are going through depression. I have always believed that one needs to focus on life as a whole. Our work, health, relationships, financial statuses are all a part of our life, but not our entire life. I am no expert on the subject, but I have always kept my brain busy with new creative endeavours; hardly leaving any room for negativity.

Shradha Sharma

Happiness is very important and it's advisable to be away from toxic relationships and toxic people. We have to be very content and have to strong and fight against depression. I also had ups and downs in life when it comes to relationship, which was very public and made headlines. Now it's over and I feel better and I am grown more strong and mature as a person .

What is your take on depression and suicide...let us know!