‘Always express, never suppress’: Deepika Padukone shares mental health tips on Pariksha Pe Charcha

New Delhi: The second episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha-2025 aired on Wednesday and it featured Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone who spoke to students about the importance of mental health and well-being. The discussion focused on managing academic stress, expressing emotions and seeking help when needed.

During the episode, Padukone shared her personal experience with depression and encouraged students to prioritise their mental well-being. She emphasised the need for open conversations, saying, “Always express, never suppress. Be it with anybody.” She urged students not to keep their emotions bottled up and to speak to family or friends when they feel overwhelmed.

She also expressed gratitude to prime minister Narendra Modi for creating a platform where mental health could be openly discussed. “I want to thank our prime minister Narendra Modi for giving us this platform to come out as warriors, not worriers. I want to wish all of you the very best,” she said.

PM Modi’s emphasis on mental health in education

PM Narendra Modi has been vocal about the importance of mental health in education. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he highlighted that this year’s Pariksha Pe Charcha would feature a dedicated episode on mental well-being.

“This year’s Pariksha Pe Charcha has an episode specially dedicated to this topic, which will play tomorrow, 12th February. And we have @deepikapadukone, who is very passionate about this subject, talking about it,” PM Modi wrote.

The annual initiative, launched in 2018, provides students with strategies to manage academic stress and anxiety. This year’s edition includes discussions with multiple experts and celebrities to address students’ concerns from different perspectives.

Experts on the role of mental health in student life

Mental health professionals welcomed the focus on emotional well-being in Pariksha Pe Charcha.

Dr Rajeev Sharma, a clinical psychologist, speaking to NewsMeter explained that exam stress often leads to anxiety and self-doubt among students. “Encouraging open discussions about mental health helps reduce stigma. When public figures like Deepika Padukone share their experiences, it reassures students that seeking help is not a sign of weakness,” he said.

Education counsellor Venkatesh Iyer stressed the role of parental support in managing stress. “Parents need to create an environment where children feel comfortable sharing their struggles. Instead of pressuring them for grades, they should focus on their overall well-being,” he suggested.

Student participation and upcoming episodes

As part of Pariksha Pe Charcha, 36 students from each State and Union Territory were selected to engage with PM Modi and discuss their concerns about academic pressure. The event’s online registration closed on January 14, 2025.

This year’s edition will also feature other well-known personalities, including actors Vikrant Massey and Bhumi Pednekar, spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, boxer Mary Kom, athlete Avani Lekhara, nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar and tech expert Gaurav Chaudhary (Technical Guruji).

Building awareness on mental health

The inclusion of a dedicated episode on mental health reflects a growing awareness of the emotional struggles students face. Experts agree that initiatives like Pariksha Pe Charcha help normalise conversations around mental health, making it easier for students to seek help when needed.

Dr Sharma concluded, “Educational success is important, but it should not come at the cost of mental well-being. A balanced approach—one that includes stress management techniques and emotional support—can help students thrive both academically and personally.”

With discussions led by influential figures and mental health experts, Pariksha Pe Charcha-2025 continues to provide students with valuable insights on handling stress, setting priorities and maintaining a healthy mindset.