Ira Khan, the daughter of renowned Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, recently spoke candidly about her personal battle with depression and shed light on her family's history of mental health issues. In a series of social media posts a few years ago, Ira revealed her struggles with clinical depression, which she was diagnosed with over five years ago. Now, she has further discussed the impact of her parents' divorce and her own experiences with mental illness.

During a recent interview with The Times of India, Ira unveiled her new venture, the Agastu foundation, aimed at providing mental health support. She shared that her father, Aamir Khan, and her mother, Reena Dutta, are both part of the foundation's advisory board. Ira expressed her gratitude for her father's support in setting up the foundation, highlighting the importance of finding the right funding for the project.

Reflecting on her journey, Ira described the changes she observed in her own behavior, including prolonged periods of crying, sadness, and even a four-day period without eating. It was during this time that she realized something was seriously wrong. Although her parents' divorce was amicable and didn't directly impact her, she sensed an underlying issue and made the decision to return to India from the Netherlands, where she was studying at the time. Ira recalled her mother pointing out that she seemed to have lost the desire to live, resorting to excessive sleep as a way to escape her pain.

Ira acknowledged that her battle with mental health is ongoing and that she continues to rely on medication for support. She admitted that there are still moments of anxiety in her life, and every 8-10 months, she experiences a significant crash. Ira believes that her mental health struggles are a combination of genetic, psychological, and social factors. It took her some time to understand the complexities of her condition, but she now recognizes the presence of mental health disorders within her own family. Additionally, she acknowledged that her own choices and actions inadvertently led her down the path of depression.

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The courage and openness demonstrated by Ira Khan in sharing her journey is commendable. By publicly discussing her experiences, she helps break the stigma surrounding mental health issues, especially in a society like India, where such discussions are often considered taboo. Ira's decision to establish the Agastu foundation further highlights her dedication to raising awareness and providing support to those in need.

Her story serves as a reminder that mental health disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their background or family history. It emphasizes the importance of seeking help, destigmatizing mental health conversations, and promoting a more supportive environment for individuals battling such challenges.

In conclusion, Ira Khan's revelation about her personal struggles with depression and her family's history of mental health issues brings attention to an important yet often overlooked topic. Her openness and advocacy play a crucial role in creating a society that is more understanding, compassionate, and equipped to address mental health concerns. It is through individuals like Ira that we can strive to build a world where mental health is treated with the same urgency and care as physical health.