For her contribution in the field of mental health, the World Economic Forum honoured Deepika Padukone with the Crystal Award in Davos. At the event, the Chhapaak actress gave a powerful speech and shared many moments of her journey to becoming a survivor. Padukone is the founder of the Live Love Laugh foundation that aids people with depression.

“In the time it has taken me to accept this award, the world has lost one more person to suicide. One trillion dollars is the estimated impact of depression and mental illness on the world economy,” the actress said.

“Depression is a common medical illness. It is important to understand that anxiety and depression are like any other illness and are treatable. Acceptance is the first step to recovery. It was the experience with this illness that encouraged me to set up Live Love Laugh,” she added.

“My love and hate relationship with this has taught me a lot and I want to tell everyone suffering from this that you are not alone,” she said, to loud applause.