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Actor Vijay Varma shares his journey through anxiety and depression during the Covid lockdown revealing how friends like Ira Khan helped him cope and highlighting why mental health care is vital in high-pressure careers.
Vijay Varma opens up about depression and anxiety during the Covid lockdow.
New Delhi: Actor Vijay Varma, recognized for his performances in films and series such as Gully Boy, Darlings, and Dahaad, recently spoke candidly about his struggles with depression and anxiety. In an intimate conversation with Rhea Chakraborty on her YouTube podcast Chapter 2, Varma detailed how the isolation of the Covid lockdown intensified feelings of loneliness despite his professional success.
During this period, Vijay found himself isolated in his Mumbai apartment. “I was all alone in an apartment in Mumbai. Luckily, I had a small terrace I could see the sky, be with the elements. Otherwise, I would have gone mad. Actually, I did. What happened to me is that pause, that constant running after work, the byproduct is that you become so lonely. I felt very lonely, very afraid and I was like why can’t I move from my couch for four days? What’s going on?” he recalled.
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Vijay credited Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira Khan and fellow actor Gulshan Devaiah for being his early support system. He explained that Ira was the first person to notice the signs of deteriorating mental health. “She was the first to point out, ‘Vijay, I think you need to start moving a little bit.’ She would do Zoom workouts and make me work out. Eventually, I did speak to a therapist on Zoom and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. My therapist even suggested medication. I told her, ‘Let me try managing for now,’” he shared.
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Their support, combined with small routines like video call dinners, helped him gradually confront his mental health challenges and seek professional guidance. This underscores the importance of having a support network, especially during periods of isolation or stress.
Vijay Varma’s story highlights a universal truth: mental health is vital for overall well-being. Emotional and psychological health affects not only how we think and feel but also how we manage stress, relationships, and work. Seeking help early through friends, family, or professionals can prevent long-term consequences and allow individuals to regain balance in life. In high-pressure professions like acting, acknowledging mental health challenges and prioritizing self-care can make a significant difference.
On the professional front, Vijay Varma was last seen in Netflix’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack alongside actors including Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Pahwa, and Patralekhaa Paul. He is set to appear next in the romantic drama Gustaakh Ishq, co-starring Fatima Sana Sheikh and Naseeruddin Shah, scheduled for release on November 28. Despite his personal struggles, Varma continues to focus on meaningful work and maintain his creative momentum.
