Opening up about his mental health, Aamir Khan in a recent interview suggested youngsters should seek therapy from an early age, expressing
he wished he had started it at 18. And as always, the internet is divided, and here’s why.
Aamir stated we as individuals are trained for various professions—actors, engineers, doctors—but there’s little to no
guidance on becoming emotionally mature adults, and suggested therapy has the potential to achieve this.
While Aamir’s intentions were in the right place, his remarks got a backlash on social media. Some internet users argue that encouraging
teenagers to seek therapy is unnecessary, emphasizing that physical activities like sports and yoga and eating good food can get the job
done.
Critics also suggest that Aamir’s advice could lead to over-medicalization of the typical adolescent experiences.
While mental health is being recognized as a genuine issue, there’s still a taboo around seeking professional help. For many Indians, a
professional is approached only when cases are severe; going to therapy just to sort out day-to-day problems is still deemed to be a
sign of weakness.
Conversely, many supporters came forth and highlighted the benefits of early mental health support, noting that timely intervention can
prevent more severe issues later in life.
These people commended Aamir for addressing the stigma around mental health and sharing his own personal experiences along the way.
Aamir’s revelations, even though controversial, have kick-started a broader conversation about mental health in India, especially
concerning the appropriate age and approach for seeking professional help.
