I was thirteen when my parents were going through a divorce, says Elnaaz Norouzi

Official Instagram Account of Elnaaz Norouzi

After having pursued her acting course at New York Film Academy, Elnaaz Norouzi started modelling for various brands. She got her big break in 'Sacred Games'. Post that, there has been no long back. She spoke to Mid Day Online on the occasion of 'World Mental Health Day 2022'.

Do you know what the theme of this year's ‘World Mental Health Day'?
Yeah. It is mental health day and the theme last year was mental health in an unequal world and this year it is

Have you ever struggled with any kind of clinically diagnosed mental health condition? If so, will you be comfortable sharing your experience?
I have, when I was thirteen my parents were going through a divorce. It became too difficult to deal with it on my own and so, I went for counselling and things became better. I went to the therapist for a very, very long time. Even today, I may not speak to my therapist every day or week but I reach out to her whenever I need to. I always wonder why we go to a dentist over a toothache but we do not go to a therapist when our mind, our heart is aching.

What personal development efforts have you made to overcome your mental health issues?
You have to put a lot of effort in overcoming the mental health issues because it is something nobody else can help you with. You have to decide because a lot of people think it's a bad thing to have a therapist or go to a psychiatrist because they think "I am not crazy ". It's just as you fix your bone when it's broken, right. I really want everyone to understand that it's part of your body that might need help or is not functioning the way it is supposed to for sometime.

When did you realise that you have mental health issues that need to be addressed?
I also went through a rough time just before getting and shooting ‘Sacred Games'.

Did you try talking / discussing the same with anyone?
The fact that I was alone. I did not have anybody here. It was hard for me to get projects and sustaining in the city that's when I realized I needed help.

Was it tough dealing with Covid 19 times?
Of course it was, for all of us in fact. I was lucky enough to be in Germany at that time, close to my family and friends and yet I had a lot of fears just like everyone else.

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Were you on medication of any sort or only counselling helped you out to overcome it?
Thank God I never had to take any medication because I always wanted to be strong enough to deal with it myself. I recognized it early enough and took counselling. And counselling did help me but I will also never shy away from medication if that's the state you are in. Again if you have a headache, you will take a crocin too right ? So, no shame in that.

These days, many people (young and old) are becoming victims day by day to the silent problem of mental health. Is there anything that you want to tell them?
I guess maybe sometimes it is hard to identify people with mental health issues because a lot of people who might be depressed are very outgoing, smiling but deep within they might feel otherwise. So, I feel they should discuss it with their friends or family or go for counselling. Discuss your mental health with whomever you feel close to because the more you speak about it, the better you will feel.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
My greatest achievement so far has been the fact I've been persistent. That I have never given up. Even on the days where I felt very low or depressed.

How do you motivate yourself daily?
That I have remained disciplined and even though I have gone through such hard times, I have always been through the rough times alone because I've always lived alone, travelled alone, my family hasn't been around me, always lived and worked on my own. I think it is also a big big factor that you have to motivate yourself. Think of your goal. What you want to achieve. Whatever obstacle is in your way, even if it is your mental health you have to fix it.

Are you a satisfied person today?
I'm never completely satisfied, even today. Sometimes, I have my low days. Sometimes, I have days where I cry. But, I tell myself this too shall pass. And the next day, I go and tell myself that today I'm not feeling it but tomorrow I have to find a solution and fix it.

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