Kanchi Singh: Societal attitudes towards discussing mental issues have evolved

Kanchi Singh says that the pandemic has brought up issues such as depression and anxiety, but these have always existed. The actress, who is known for her shows such as Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Aur Pyar Ho gaya, says that people are more open to discussing mental health issues now. 

“The prominence of mental health and depression during the Covid outbreak and consecutive lockdown doesn't imply that these issues are new. Mental health concerns existed before the pandemic as well. However, societal attitudes towards discussing them have evolved. Before Covid, there was a reluctance to open up about mental health due to the stigma associated with it – the fear of being perceived as ‘pagal’ or ‘char kya log kahenge?’. The shift in focus is more about people becoming more vocal and acknowledging these issues rather than them being novel. It's about breaking the silence that surrounded mental health discussions, not about the issues suddenly emerging,” she says. 

Times have changed, and people are being more vocal about their mental health issues. The youth, in particular, is playing an important role. Unlike in the past, young people are more vocal and serious about addressing mental health issues. They actively use platforms like social media to spread awareness and contribute to breaking the stigma associated with mental health.

- Kanchi Singh

However, she adds that one needs to be careful about where to share what, and with who. “In today's world, trust is a delicate matter, and it's crucial to be discerning about the people we allow into our lives. The saying ‘kalyug chal raha hai’ resonates because not everyone around us genuinely wishes us well. Unfortunately, some individuals may exploit our vulnerabilities and weaknesses with the intent to bring us down. I've learned this first hand, being a sensitive and emotional person who tended to overshare with the wrong people. It's a reminder to choose our companions wisely, as people can change unexpectedly at different stages of life. Being mindful of whom we trust and share with is a protective measure against potential harm or betrayal,” she says.

She adds, “Times have changed and people are being more vocal about their mental health issues. The youth, in particular, is playing an important role. Unlike in the past, young people are more vocal and serious about addressing mental health issues. They actively use platforms like social media to spread awareness and contribute to breaking the stigma associated with mental health. Their openness and advocacy are fostering a more supportive and understanding environment, encouraging others to speak up and seek help when needed. This change signifies a growing awareness and acceptance of mental health challenges within our society.”

Ask her how she takes care of her mental health, and she says, “Taking care of my mental health involves spending quality time with my family doing things that I genuinely enjoy. Enjoying my favourite dishes is a mood lifter, doing  meditation or hitting the gym contributes to my overall well-being. These things provide a balance, helping me unwind and maintain a positive mindset. It's essential to prioritise self-care and do things that bring joy, creating a healthy routine to cope with life's challenges.”