When Shark Tank India judge Anupam Mittal opened up about his panic attacks and anxiety, revealed how the problem can leave one embarrassed

Shark Tank India judges have emerged as few of the most influential TV celebrities after the bumper success of the show. Not only have their choices and investments set them apart as entrepreneurs but Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal ’s confession about his battle with anxiety and panic attacks makes him much more relatable.

Anupam spoke about suffering from Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) during an interview a few months ago and revealed how he used to get panic attacks randomly and sometimes rather publicly. The Shark revealed how he discovered what he was going through wasn’t normal and managed to get control over the issue by seeking help.

In an interview post Shark Tank India with RJ Siddharth Kannan, Anupam spoke about his mind runs in 200 different directions at the same time and how that resulted in panic attacks. “Kaafi takleef hoti thi pehle, bethe bethe dosto ke saath, mujhe yaad hai suddenly panic attack ho gaya. Panic attack hona ki mamuli baat nahi hai, aap hadbada jaate ho, matlab aiesi halat ho jaati ki aap sharminda ho jaate ho [It was difficult initially, while sitting with friends I’d suddenly have a panic attack. Having a panic attack is no ordinary thing, you feel anxious and embarrassed].”

Asked if his anxiety or panic attacks ever made people question his business acumen, Anupam revealed that he almost never had these attacks at work or in public places but if he did, he got over it quickly. “Jab bhi hua, mere close friends ke saath hua. They are not judgemental; they understood my situation. Abhi toh bohot saal hog aye, hua bhi nahi and hopefully aage hoga bhi nahi.”

Anupam further revealed how he used to think that anxiety is something everyone experiences but it was after his panic attacks that he felt that it wasn’t normal. “Jab uske liye maine help seek kiya tab samajh aaya ki panic attack toh kabhi kabhi hota hai, par aapko generalised anxiety hai. Toh phir usko sambhalna shuru kiya, exercise, meditation, mere liye fit rehna bohot zaroori hai aur ke bhi ek kaaran hai [ When I sought help to treat my panic attack, it is then that I understood that I have generalised anxiety. Then is got after treating that with exercise and meditation and it is one reason why fitness it very important for me].”

Talking about how his anxiety drives his creativity the entrepreneur said, “Mera maana ye hai ki haar aadmi mein kamzoori hoti hai, aur uss kamzoori ke kaaran hi ek strength hoti hai, ek capability hoti hai, ek shamta hoti hai. Mere G.A.D ke kaaran mujhmein jo creativity hai, aur aap bohot creative logon mein ye paaoge, unmein ye problem hoti hai. So, because of that G.A.D I am very innovative and creative [I believe every person has weakness which also drives their capability and strength. It is due to my G.A.D that I am very creative and innovative and you will find many creative people have this problem].”

Revealing why he’s talking about his anxiety issues after so many years Anupam added, “Maine ye baat ko pehchani bohot daer se. Agar mujhe ye baat pata hoti samjho 25 saal pehle, toh main samajhta hoon ki meri zindagi mein main kahin aage nikal jata [ I realised the issue quite late. If I had understood it 25 years ago, I believe I would have gone really far in life].”