Mental Illness Is Painful But Not Shameful: Ira Khan’s Message

MUMBAI — On World Mental Health Day, October 10, mental health advocate and entrepreneur Ira Khan, daughter of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, shared a detailed message on mental health through a video.

Ira began by explaining why mental illnesses occur. She said they happen for the same reasons as physical illnesses—different conditions arise due to different factors. She emphasized that mental illnesses rarely have a simple cause. Multiple factors often come together, many of which are not visible, making them unpredictable.

She noted that trying to analyze every detail of one’s life to pinpoint the cause can be overwhelming and unhelpful. “What’s helpful,” she said, “is treating the mental illness, moving forward, and getting better.”

Ira broke down mental illness using the biopsychosocial model, highlighting three main factors:

• Biological factors: including brain structure, genetics, hormones, and body chemistry.
• Psychological factors: such as trauma, abuse, habits, conditioning, and belief systems.
• Social (or environmental) factors: including unemployment, climate change, relocation, war, and poverty.

Understanding these factors, she explained, is crucial because it allows people to incorporate them into their treatment plans. By addressing the elements they can influence, individuals can work toward recovery.

Ira stressed that mental illness can be scary and painful but is never a source of shame. “Mental illnesses don’t happen because of one event or one mistake,” she said. “They’re not predictable. They’re not a reflection of your worth. And they’re definitely not something to be ashamed of.”

She urged focusing on the present as the starting point for recovery. “Understanding why can help, but what’s even more powerful is focusing on what now. That’s where treatment, growth, and recovery begin. Help and treatment are available.”

Ira has been open about her own mental health struggles. She founded a foundation dedicated to mental wellness and spreads awareness through her podcast series. The first episode of her podcast, “The Curious Case of…,” premiered on August 17, 2025, across multiple online platforms.

Unlike many Bollywood stars, Ira has concentrated on social advocacy, building her work and impact on her own merit rather than pursuing a career in entertainment. (IANS)