Actor and comedian Vir Das has raised objections to the insensitive reporting on mental health in television media over the last week. As actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death continues to be a topic of contention these days, several news channels and media houses have carried reports and interviews on depression, and his suicide.
Vir states the issues must be handled with care considering the large percentage of people who suffer from depression and other mental health problems in the country. He wrote in a tweet, “What's disturbing is to see the clueless and harsh rhetoric around depression on news channels this week. Please be mindful of the fact that a gigantic percentage of our country struggles with it, and watches you. It's important to communicate that it is nothing to be ashamed of.”
The actor further clarified that some with depression can seem fit and happy on the outside, not presenting any symptoms. “You can be depressed and be: Successful Fit Functional Cheerful Friendly Ambitious Hard working On medication On zero medication Focussed Optimistic All of the above at different times. Don't let your drive for ratings insult a great artist and a very large group of people.”
