U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on his recent trip to India met with Indian actor Aamir Khan and his daughter, Ira Khan, an advocate and founder of the Agatsu Foundation, for a discussion on mental health.
Hosted by Netflix India, the conversation highlighted the stigma surrounding mental health in India and explored the profound impact of therapy in nurturing relationships and personal growth.
Aamir Khan shared his journey of seeking therapy to strengthen his relationship with his daughter. “Ira and I have started joint therapy. We go to a therapist to work on our relationship and address issues that have existed for years,” he said, emphasizing the need for conscious effort in parent-child dynamics. Ira added, “Nobody tells you that you need to work on your relationship with your parents. People just assume it will happen, but it doesn’t.”
The discussion underscored the cultural stigma that often associates therapy with weakness or mental instability in India. Aamir spoke candidly about this misconception, stating, “In India, many think seeking therapy means having a mental problem. It’s not about shame—it’s about healing.” He further described therapy as transformative, noting that professional guidance has helped him understand and address emotions he couldn’t navigate alone.
The conversation also touched on how unresolved issues between parents and children can deeply affect mental health. Ira emphasized the importance of addressing emotions without guilt, advising parents, “Move past the guilt and focus on actionable steps. Great, now let’s do something about it.”
Aamir offered guidance to young people struggling with mental health, encouraging them to seek help. “Parents may not always have the skills to support you, but don’t keep your struggles to yourself. Talk to someone—a teacher, a friend, or a relative. The key is not to internalize the challenges.”
Dr. Murthy commended their openness, calling therapy “a powerful tool” for fostering communication and emotional healing. Reflecting on his experiences as a physician, he shared, “At the end of their lives, most people reflect not on their achievements but on their relationships, underscoring the value of emotional bonds.”
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