Neetu Kapoor, who will soon be seen on the big screen in Dharma Productions’ Jugjugg Jeeyo opposite Anil Kapoor, opened up about dealing with the loss of her husband and veteran actor Rishi Kapoor. The 63-year-old talked about consulting a psychiatrist after Rishi Kapoor’s death in 2020.
“We think it’s our worst time”
Image credit: Instagram/neetu54
Speaking with a publication, the actress discussed how she dealt with the grief: “You know, life makes you strong. When you go through ups and downs. And when we go through the downs, we think it’s our worst time. But I feel that’s the best time because that’s the way God is making you stronger to deal with whatever comes in your life.”
She continued: “I have gone through loads of it in my life, and maybe that’s what made me strong enough to deal with every situation. I was stronger than my husband. If there was anything happening in our life, I would give him that strength. I was always the stronger one.”
Neetu Kapoor on consulting a psychiatrist after Rishi Kapoor’s death
Credit: Instagram/neetu54
During her interaction with Health Shots, as reported by the Hindustan Times, Neetu also spoke about seeking professional help after her husband’s passing, highlighting the importance of mental health and well-being: “Whatever it is you’re feeling, whatever your issue is, you must do something [about it]. If you are having a mental health problem, see a psychiatrist.”
She added, “I went to a psychiatrist. After my husband [passed away], I used to consult a doctor, but then I said, ‘I am stronger than what the doctor is saying’. The doctor was telling me to do things that I already knew, so I thought to myself ‘Why am I not doing these myself?’. And so, I stopped seeing the doctor and I dealt with my ‘missing him’, ‘feeling low’ feelings within myself, and made myself stronger.”
Each person has different needs and paths in therapy
Image credit: Instagram/neetu54
Neetu Kapoor’s statements about seeking help from a mental health professional are a step forward in normalising therapy, especially in a country like ours where mental well-being is often overlooked and therapy is accessible to only a small percentage of people. Though the decision to not see a doctor afterwards might have helped the actress, it needs to be said that everyone has their own trajectory of dealing with grief and loss, and some might require more time and professional help than others to manage their feelings.
A leading celebrity speaking up about seeking professional help is surely a step ahead for raising awareness about mental health issues and normalising therapy. Here’s hoping that in the near future, it is available to everyone who needs it.
Lead and social image credits: Instagram/neetu54
