Dr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States, joined Bollywood star Aamir Khan and his daughter, entrepreneur Ira Khan, for a discussion on mental health in a recent Netflix India Mental Health Podcast. The podcast aimed to encourage open dialogue about mental well-being and promote the normalization of seeking help. By sharing personal stories and discussing mental health challenges, the trio worked to destigmatize mental illness, particularly in the Indian context.
Dr. Murthy reflected on how perceptions of mental health have evolved over the years. Speaking on his own experiences, Aamir Khan noted, “When I was growing up, very little was understood about it. There was a lot of shame attached to it, like as you pointed out. If there was someone who had a, you know, mental health problem in the family, it was usually hidden. As opposed to, you know, seeking help and trying to help. It was spoken quite loosely.” He acknowledged that while awareness has grown, fostering meaningful communication in India remains a challenge due to its linguistic diversity.
Ira Khan, known for her openness about her battle with depression, shared how she recognized her mental health struggles. “…living was an effort… When I stopped eating because it was too much effort to eat, then I was like, okay, maybe you should tell somebody,” she revealed. Highlighting the importance of seeking help, Ira encouraged trying different approaches and seeking therapy when needed.
For Aamir Khan, understanding Ira’s mental health journey was initially overwhelming. Reflecting on his role as a father, he admitted, “…I didn’t know how to deal with it. I didn’t know how to help.” He shared that his intense focus on his career often came at the cost of addressing his children’s needs. Recognizing this, he sought therapy for himself and participated in joint sessions with Ira, which he described as transformative for their relationship.
The conversation expanded to address issues like loneliness and the influence of social media on young people. Ira described loneliness as a significant problem and pointed out how social media exacerbates it. “Loneliness is huge,” she said, adding, “I think social media is a big problem with that because what you talked about was also being themselves without being judged, which is a big part of what makes you feel connected or not. Being lonely or feeling connected is a subjective experience…”
She elaborated on how the curated nature of social media prevents individuals from being vulnerable or authentic. “But because of social media, you’re trying to be cool, portray yourself in a certain way. You’re not putting your true self out there. So, no one is seeing your true self. Then you’re not connecting with anybody.” Ira emphasized the need for honesty and vulnerability to foster deeper connections and combat loneliness.
Dr. Murthy provided sobering statistics to highlight the gravity of loneliness. “More than 50 percent of young people in the US struggle with loneliness and about a third of adults,” he stated. He explained that social disconnection not only increases the risk of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicide but also contributes to physical ailments such as heart disease, dementia, and premature death. “When people are socially disconnected from each other, that increases their risk of depression and anxiety and suicide. But it also increases their risk of heart disease and dementia and premature death. So, the bottom line is a lot of people are experiencing this,” he said.
The podcast also explored daily habits that contribute to mental wellness. Aamir and Ira underscored the importance of basic practices like adequate sleep, physical activity, and thoughtful decision-making. Ira advised, “Find your balance,” and encouraged listeners to monitor their habits and tune into their bodies to determine what works best for both mental and physical health.
In offering guidance to parents and young people, Aamir Khan emphasized early intervention. He urged parents to act swiftly and seek professional help without hesitation when they notice their child is struggling. “The child’s well-being should always come first,” he stressed, adding that turning to experts or trusted individuals is a vital step.
Ira echoed this sentiment, urging parents to set aside feelings of fear, guilt, or shame that may hinder their ability to provide effective support. To young people, Aamir suggested that they communicate openly with their parents about their challenges while being understanding if their parents struggle to respond adequately.
Dr. Murthy concluded the discussion by calling the podcast a “beautiful experience.” The candid and heartfelt exchange among the participants highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues openly and the transformative power of seeking help and fostering meaningful connections.
