Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 02 Dec 2024
There Is A Void In All Of Us: AR Rahman Opens Up Depression, Anxiety, and Ways To Heal Your Mental Health
Rahman says investing energy in reading, writing, and even listening to music can help you heal mental health issues
Oscar-winning music composer opened up on depression and anxiety, saying most people suffer from mental health issues because they try to deal with a 'void' in their lives. The 57-year-old shared that people feel incomplete and do not understand how to reverse that feeling.
"Now we all have mental health issues, depression. Because I think there is a void in all of us,” Rahman in an interview on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of India being held in Goa.
Rahman added that investing energy in reading, writing, and even listening to music can help a person suffering from mental health issues heal. “That void can be filled by storytellers, by philosophy, by entertaining in a way where you don’t even know that you are taking medicine, by not just catering to your carnal needs like violence and sex and all that stuff. There’s much more than all that stuff,” he said.
Suffered depression as a child
Earlier this year Rahman also spoke at length on struggling with suicidal thoughts when he was young. The composer reveals that his mother taught him the importance of making a small difference in the lives of others, even if it means sharing a simple smile with them. Rahman said that piece of advice brought a whirlwind of change in his life, helping him fight his mental health issues.
"When I had suicidal thoughts when I was young, my mother used to say, ‘When you live for others, you won’t get these thoughts.’ That’s one of the most beautiful advice I got from my mother. When you live for others, and you’re not selfish, there’s a meaning to your life. I took it very ser whether you’re composing for somebody, writing for something, buying food for a person who can’t afford it, or you just smile at someone, these are the things that keep us going," he explained.
Easy ways you can take care of your mental health
According to experts, being intentional in taking care of your mental health can help you prevent the onset of mental illnesses, become physically healthy, keep healthy relationships, and even learn how to deal with the stresses of life in a healthy way. A few ways you can do that include:
- Eat a healthy diet which includes vitamins and proteins that contribute to sound mental health
- Practice gratitude and have a positive mindset
- Stay physically active
- Acknowledge what you feel and always speak your mind
- Get regular, uninterrupted, and quality sleep to reduce your risk for depression and other mental health conditions
- Stay hydrated to help you stay mentally focused and improve your energy levels
- Find time to relax by doing healthy relaxation strategies like yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, journaling or listening to music.
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