In Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, Deepika Padukone attends the opening of a program for rural mental health

Deepika Padukone, an actor, has been a vocal supporter of mental health. The actress, who has been told about her struggle with depression, also works to raise awareness of mental health issues through her organization, The Live Love Laugh Foundation (TLLLF). The actress was spotted on Sunday in the Tiruvallur region of Tamil Nadu for the debut of a mental health initiative.

At the launch event, Deepika stayed in Tiruvallur for a day. In Tiruvallur's Chinna Idukku village, the launch reportedly included people with mental illness, their carers, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and ASHA employees.

Padukone spoke with locals about the value of treating mental health, getting the correct care, and the stigma associated with it.

Speaking to reporters at the launch, the celebrity stated, "We decided early on in the Foundation's journey that even if our numbers about impact were minimal, the quality of effects is where our concentration should be. Because of their complexity, we cannot see or understand many aspects of mental health. This helps us realize that we still have a lot of work and a long way to go.

Deepika revealed in 2015 how she struggled with a diagnosis. Since then, she has spoken candidly about her experience with mental illness at various gatherings to inspire others to do the same.

Take a look at Deepika Padukone’s story

Anisha Padukone, Deepika's sister and the foundation's CEO, said: "Through targeted interventions, this comprehensive program will enable fair access to psychiatric care, medications, rehabilitation support centers, and vocational training. We consider helping the community for approximately five to seven years and giving them the tools they need to carry it forward as a sustainable model."