Sushant Singh Rajput’s Therapist Reveals Rhea Chakraborty Was A ‘Mother Figure’ For Him; Says Actor Had Bipolar Disorder

Sushant Singh Rajput left his fans, family and the entire film fraternity in shock when he bid a final adieu to the world on 14^th June. He was reportedly depressed and was taking medication for the same. However, rumors also suggest that he was forced to take this step after Bollywood biggies shut him out of the industry. Since the past one week, Sushant’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty has been under the radar after the late actor’s father filed an FIR against her for abetting suicide. Well, Sushant’s therapist Dr. Susan Walker has now come out to share her personal experience with the actor and his girlfriend.

In a chat with Barkha Dutt, Dr. Walker opened up about the actor and shared, “In light of the misinformation and conspiracy theories currently raging on social media about Sushant Singh Rajput and Rhea Chakraborty, I have decided it is my duty to make a statement. In my capacity as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, I met Sushant and Rhea on several occasions in November and December 2019 and communicated again with Rhea in June of this year. Sushant was suffering terribly during his bouts of depression and hypomania. Rhea was his strongest support. From the first time I met them as a couple, I was impressed by the degree of concern, love and support she showed.” She added that it was very evident how close they were and Rhea reportedly took care of his appointments and gave him enough courage to attend, despite his being so fearful that someone would find out.

Dr. Walker went on to state that Sushant was suffering from bipolar disorder, a severe mental illness that can be crippling for an individual during an episode. The symptoms of which can include severe anxiety, major depression and sometimes disordered thinking and paranoia. She also spoke about how the continuing, appalling stigma around mental illness makes it very difficult for patients and their families to reach out. “Mental illness is no different than cancer or diabetes. It can affect anyone, regardless of class, financial status and so on.”

Talking about how Rhea was Sushant’s biggest support in his tough times, Dr. Walker said, “When he was severely ill, he depended on her as somewhat of a mother figure and she completely filled that role with love, encouragement and patience. It was an incredibly hard time for her as seeing someone suffer through the cruelty of mental illnesses of family members. They need to keep it a secret and bear things in silence, an added trauma. The treatment that Rhea has received on social media is deeply shocking to me as I have only ever experienced her as deeply caring and sensitive person. Sushant’s sad and untimely death needs to be yet another lesson for us all--in ending of shame and stigma around mental illness.”