"The Live Love Laugh Foundation"

Stigma attached to mental ailments is the main reason why society is struggling to address the problem, and the day we together manage to tide over it and bring about awareness, we will win this battle, Deepika Padukone

The times, they are a-changin' - Bob Dylan (taking a moment to thank him for this eternal phrase).

If we look around, well, in some aspects, times truly are different. For one, we are more connected to our gadgets than ever before even as we are so conscious of our health. There is a more collective opinion on subjects and topics that matter (not all of which is great, but oh well). Then there are conversations that are happening everywhere, conversations over things that really matter, conversations which weren't happening before because they were considered taboo or made people uncomfortable - such as chatter about mental health. There are still people who find talking about mental health or discussions around it uncomfortable. And for many, that happens because they are not aware or informed.

Have you ever found yourself in a spot where someone is talking to you about mental health, and you are at odds because of a lack of knowledge about the subject? Educating self is always essential, especially on things which are sensitive, delicate or taboo in society. Don't offer and opinion if you know nothing about it - but luckily, we live in times when information is more accessible than ever before. From a minor health issue to getting brief knowledge about health symptoms we can avail every information through internet.

The "Padmaavat" heroine, Deepika Padukone has battled depression, spoken about it publicly. She discussed the importance of getting professional help - and she has come a long way since she first revealed her struggle with mental illness in 2015. Since then she started "The Live Love Laugh Foundation" (TLLL), an initiative to create awareness about mental health.

And awareness creation is sure happening.

This is an integral initiative taken by her, mostly because she has gone beyond her profession and engaged with others to come out and TALK . To discuss the hindrances each suffer in their day to day live and still chose to stay mum on it.  She emphasized on "DOBARA POOCHO", "Parvaah hain toh dobara poocho (If you care enough, then please ask again)" is the tagline of Deepika Padukone’s foundation launch against depression.

And as far as mental health education goes, this sure is G for Gold.