Actor Arjun Kapoor recently shared his experience dealing with mild depression and managing Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Arjun discussed these personal struggles while promoting his latest film, Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty. He emphasized the impact these challenges have had on his mental and physical health, as well as his journey through therapy.
Coping with Depression Through Therapy
Arjun opened up about experiencing a form of “mild depression,” which he discovered after his recent films did not perform as expected at the box office. Reflecting on his mental health journey, he said, “I started seeking therapy… I didn’t know if I was depressed; I just felt something was off.” This introspection led him to seek help, and he tried several therapists before finding someone who resonated with him.
The actor described how therapy helped him confront longstanding issues related to body image, explaining, “Being a fat kid created a lot of mental trauma.” According to Arjun, this contributed to self-doubt, especially in an industry that often highlights appearances and comparisons. The actor added, “I’ve never been a bitter or negative person, but I began feeling something festering inside.” Eventually, he was diagnosed with mild depression, which he attributes to circumstantial factors rather than a chronic condition.
Recognizing Symptoms of Mild Depression
Mild depression, as Arjun described, can sometimes go unnoticed, with symptoms like persistent sadness, trouble sleeping, and apathy that are less intense but still impactful. These symptoms are similar to clinical depression, though milder, and can affect one’s outlook and motivation if left unaddressed.
Battling Hashimoto’s Disease and Physical Health Struggles
Alongside mental health issues, Arjun also revealed his battle with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s can lead to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid underproduces essential hormones, impacting metabolism and energy levels. Describing the impact of the condition, Arjun said, “It’s almost like I can take a flight and gain weight because my body goes into distress… in fight-or-flight mode.”
Arjun Kapoor shared that he was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s at 30, a condition that his mother and sister also have. Reflecting on how it affects his body, he noted that symptoms, including fatigue and weight fluctuations, often coincide with stressful periods in his career. “I can see myself and my body changing through the course of my films,” he said, highlighting the physical toll that both his career and health challenges have taken on him over the years.
Understanding Hashimoto’s Disease
Hashimoto’s disease, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the thyroid gland. This condition can lead to hypothyroidism, which slows down various bodily functions due to a lack of thyroid hormones. Symptoms of Hashimoto’s include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, joint and muscle pain, and hair thinning. The disease requires ongoing management, often with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Arjun’s story is a reminder of the importance of seeking help for both physical and mental health issues, and he hopes that by sharing his journey, he can encourage others facing similar challenges to reach out for support.
