Actor Rohit Roy Speaks Up About Mental Health Awareness In Relation To Kushal Punjabi’s Suicide, Urges People To Seek Counsel

The sudden suicide and the consequent death of TV actor Kushal Punjabi have shocked everyone to the core. After his suicide note was revealed it became clear that Kushal was battling depression over personal issues and it has once again stirred the mental health awareness dialogue in the country.

Actor Rohit Roy, who had previously spoken about the matter and apologized for not being there for Kushal, recently opened up about mental health awareness. In an interview with Pinkvilla, he said, “In today’s age of beautifully packaged human beings, we spend lakhs to fortify our bodies but take our minds for granted. We treat a simple viral with medication but smile through mental ailments.” He further added, “Sadly, in India, people, especially actors, refuse to seek help because some believe seeing a psychiatrist is frowned upon. People suffering from depression refuse to take medication or go to a therapist saying 'pagal thodi hun main', and in the process alienate themselves and become more and more lonely.”

Asking people to seek help, he said, “I urge anyone battling depression or any other mental issues to reach out at the very onset. Don’t wait for it to pass.. it won’t. Seek counsel, talk to your family and friends, mental issues are nothing to be embarrassed about. I urge the government to open many more help centers that are widely advertised and easily accessible. If there is a movement to eradicate Polio, why can’t we launch something similar to reach out to people suffering from mental illness and those in need of help?!”