Surgeon General of the United States Dr. Vivek Murthy joined Bollywood icon Aamir Khan and his daughter, Ira Khan, the founder of the Agatsu Foundation, on Netflix India’s recent Mental Health Podcast. The trio explored the challenges surrounding mental health and emphasized the transformative power of therapy.
The podcast aimed to normalize seeking help and foster open discussions about mental well-being. Personal stories and insights took center stage, offering listeners a rounded perspective on destigmatizing mental health, particularly in India.
A Changing Perspective on Mental Health
Dr. Murthy reflected on the evolution of mental health awareness. He acknowledged the cultural shift, stating that while progress has been made, conversations about mental health in India remain challenging due to linguistic and cultural diversity.
Aamir Khan highlighted how mental health was perceived during his upbringing. “When I was growing up, very little was understood about it,” he said. “There was a lot of shame attached to it. If someone in the family had a mental health problem, it was hidden rather than addressed.”
Ira Khan Shares Her Journey
Ira Khan, who has been candid about her struggles with depression, shared her experiences. “Living was an effort,” she revealed. “When I stopped eating because it was too much effort, I realized it was time to tell someone.” Ira emphasized the importance of seeking therapy and finding support, even if it takes multiple attempts.
A Father’s Struggles and Transformation
Aamir Khan opened up about his initial difficulties supporting Ira through her challenges. He admitted, “I didn’t know how to help.” Over time, this led him to seek therapy himself, including attending joint sessions with Ira to strengthen their bond. He recognized that balancing his career and family required intentional effort and change.
Loneliness and Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Addressing the role of loneliness and social media, Ira shared, “Loneliness is huge, and social media makes it worse. You’re trying to portray a certain image instead of your true self, which disconnects you from others.” She advocated for vulnerability and honesty as keys to building meaningful relationships.
Dr. Murthy echoed these concerns, pointing out that more than half of young people in the U.S. and about a third of adults struggle with loneliness. He warned of its profound impact on both mental and physical health, increasing risks of depression, heart disease, and even premature death.
Practical Advice for Mental Well-Being
The conversation also covered everyday practices for mental health. Adequate sleep, physical activity, and intentional living emerged as critical factors. “Find your balance,” Ira advised, encouraging individuals to track their habits and listen to their bodies.
Aamir urged parents to act swiftly if they notice their child struggling. “Seek professional help without shame. Your child’s well-being should come first,” he emphasized. Ira added that parents should overcome feelings of fear or guilt to support their children effectively.
A Call for Connection and Understanding
Dr. Murthy concluded the podcast by describing it as a “beautiful experience.” The heartfelt conversation served as a call to action for greater compassion and understanding in addressing mental health challenges worldwide.
Through their candid discussion, Dr. Murthy, Aamir, and Ira shed light on the importance of connection, support, and seeking help, leaving listeners inspired to prioritize mental well-being.
About the Author
Indian American Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD FACEP, is the founder of Arlington Integrative Medical Center and a distinguished leader in the field, holding board certifications in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. She is the U.S. Bureau Chief for The Desi Buzz, GCCStartup.News, and Startup Berita, where she contributes her insights on healthcare and innovation. As a committed member of the Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Dr. Parvez is also pursuing a Diploma in Naturopathic Medicine from the College of Medicine and Healing Arts in Leicester, UK. Certified in contemporary cupping skills, Hijama therapy, and leech therapy, she combines traditional healing techniques with modern medicine. Dr. Parvez is fluent in Spanish, French, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic, enabling her to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. A passionate foodie, she enjoys creating recipes, experimenting with recipe hacks, and finding ways to make meals healthier and more delicious.
