How Did Karan Johar[Indian Film Director] Fought Anxiety - Mental Health?

There are other anxieties that hit you sometimes it's urban angst, sometimes it's career stress, sometimes it's personal life. - Karan Johar

Anxiety Disorder - How did Karan Johar Fight with his Mental Health?

What Exactly Happened to Karan Johar?

Mental health started to get much attention because most public figures now come forward and share their experiences as a way of removing stigma from such issues. 

Karan Johar, one of the more prolific filmmakers in India and also a TV personality, now intends to do his part regarding awareness for mental health. 

His coming out and talking about his problems with anxiety brought into sharp focus the issues of mental health, but at the same time inspired a lot of people to come forward and talk about issues in their lives. 

Being one of the most influential persons in Indian cinema, his openness regarding personal problems presents an influential case for this growing debate over mental health.

Background of Karan Johar

Karan Johar is the popular director, producer, and host in Bollywood born on May 25, 1972. His first directorial venture happened to be the mega-blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998. 

Over the years, he has directed blockbuster movies Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, My Name Is Khan, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, among several others. His production house, Dharma Productions, played a key role in delivering the biggest box office successes in India.

Truly, Karan Johar's public persona is multilayered; his works for cinema, his sense of style, and his wit on both social media and television make him a household name. At the same time, he has been very controversial and judged on numerous aspects of his personal and professional life. 

But his impact is indeed effective since he keeps dictating trends inside Bollywood as well and remains so active on different platforms.

Karan Johar’s Mental Health Struggle

Mental Health Impact on Karan Johar’s Profession and Personal Life

Karan Johar's tryst with anxiety has affected him both in his professional and personal life. 

The reason is that, as a filmmaker, the stress of producing and directing films added to his anxiety; knowing this, public opinion scrutinizes his work. 

The fear of failure and the pressure to meet expectations often overwhelm him.

The anxiety he felt manifested itself in his personal life through relationships and well-being. 

Johar has spoken candidly about those moments when he felt anxious, to the extent of getting paralyzed by anxiety-a thing that is damaging and emotionally distressing. 

These experiences have not only shaped his understanding of mental health but also motivated him to advocate for greater awareness and acceptance of these issues.

Karan Johar’s Battle with Anxiety Disorder

Karan Johar's journey through the anxiety disorder had all to say about struggle and resilience. In 2015, he felt that something was wrong, and he visited a psychologist for help. 

He said, on the very first day, feelings of disbelief enveloped him: "I thought this cannot happen to me." These are feelings common in people who struggle with mental health disorders; to try to fit their experiences into what society expects of them.

Through therapy, Johar learned about the nature of anxiety and taught himself how to overcome these problems. He struggled with specific symptoms like the reality of panic attacks that show physical manifestations of sweating and palpitations. 

He usually suffered from these bouts during periods of high levels of stress, such as during film launches or public appearances. Johar has thus been candid about his experiences in dealing with the stigma of living with invisible anxiety disorders.

Karan Johar - Courage to Speak Out about Anxiety Disorder

Karan Johar, for the first time, made his public revelation about his tussle with poor mental health on World Mental Health Day in October 2023. 

In an emotional post on Instagram, he spoke about anxiety issues and how professional help plays an important part when it comes to such situations. He wrote in his post, 

"In 2015-16, I felt the first burst of anxiety and knew that something was wrong… my friend guided me to a psychologist, and after a series of conversations, I knew what I was dealing with and addressed it medically and with a change of lifestyle".

Most, if not all, appreciated his candour as he put into words feelings of incredulity and social stigma that go along with mental health. Public and media reaction was overwhelming in terms of being very supportive, where most praised the bravery shown by disclosing such a personal matter. 

This was an important turning point in his advocacy for mental health awareness.

Apart from this, on the first episode of Koffee With Karan Season 8, Karan Johar talked more about his ongoing battle with poor mental health. During the said episode, which had Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh as guests, Johar shared that in April 2023 alone, during the launch of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, or NMACC, in Mumbai, he had a severe depressive episode.

Recalling the incident, Karan Johar said, "I remember Varun Dhawan was staring at me. I was sweating, I didn't even realize it. He came to me, held my hand and asked 'Are you okay?' And my hands were shaking. I first thought it was a cardiac arrest. I went back home and I just went to my bed and I cried. I didn't know why I was crying".

He further explained the intensity of the attack, saying, "I got out of my long and elaborate jacket and I left in half an hour. I just went to my bed and I wept. I just cried and I didn't know why I was crying." After this episode, Johar consulted his psychologist.

When the world was going through a mental health crisis because of COVID-19 in 2019-20 - in One of the interviews with Hindustan Times Karan shared his Mental Health Battle with Anxiety and how he overcame it. 

These were Karan Johar's words on Anxiety - Mental Health: 

“I have in the past combated anxiety, and I was even on medication a couple of years ago. Through about two years, I was with the doctor, and then I weaned off that medication. 

I remember that was a tough time, but I got past it. I think a lot of it was like when you go through a midlife moment in your life where you kind of... and this is before the birth of my children, and I remember at that point in time, you fear being alone. You fear you've reached the midpoint of your life. 

There are other anxieties that hit you sometimes it's urban angst, sometimes it's career stress, sometimes it's personal life. 

It's many things that sometimes result in you going through those feelings, and people sometimes don't tend to understand that sadness and depression are two separate things. It's a state of being; it's the state of your mental health. 

Just because you're sad doesn't mean that it's depression, and depression has to be treated differently. It's a state of your mind that you have to address medically, and people should go out there and take that help if they feel the need to. 

A lot of times, people don't identify that this could be a situation because they feel conscious of sharing their feelings, or they feel conscious of even seeking help. I think that now, with time and lots of people who've come out and spoken about their experiences, that zone is opening up.”

Johar's candour over the recent incident and his continuing anxiety and depression reiterate that mental health is a continuous process: one is either taking good care or none. On Koffee With Karan, he shared more of this journey in further destigmatizing the conversations about mental health and seeking help when needed.

Journey to Recovery - How Karan Johar Dealt with Anxiety Disorder

Karan Johar's recovery journey has involved several key components:

Seeking Professional Help

Upon recognizing his anxiety, Johar sought help from mental health professionals. He consulted a psychologist who provided him with tools to manage his symptoms. This initial step was crucial in helping him understand his condition and the importance of addressing it.

Medication

In addition to therapy, Johar was prescribed medication to help manage his anxiety. He has been vocal about taking anxiety medication, stating, "I've no fear in saying that I'm on medication". His openness about this aspect of his treatment aims to destigmatize the use of medication for mental health issues.

Lifestyle Changes

Johar also made significant lifestyle changes to support his mental health. He emphasized the importance of self-care practices, such as mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques. He has mentioned engaging in activities that bring him joy and relaxation, which are essential for maintaining mental well-being.

Karan Johar’s Mental Health Support System

Support from family, friend circle, and mental health practitioners was a key part of Karan Johar's journey to recovery. Most of his experiences regard the influential part that friends and forces play in the provision of emotional support as well as encouragement. 

Karan Johar has emphasized the fact that his friends, who are also in the same profession as him, have provided emotional support and motivation. As mentioned earlier.

One such incident was at the launch of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in April 2023, where Karan faced a massive panic attack. He vividly remembers that "Varun Dhawan was staring at me. I was sweating. I didn't even realize my face was full of sweat. Varun came and he was like, 'Are you okay?' My hands were shaking". 

This was a moment of vulnerability, which was important in the sense that it marked a critical turn for him in comprehending mental health.

As anxiety kicked in, Karan was unable to take the pressure and initially thought he was going into a cardiac arrest. He said, "I first thought it was a cardiac arrest. I didn't know what I was going through. I got out of my jacket, which was long and elaborate. I just left in half an hour."

Having left the venue, he travelled back home only to find himself in tears, feeling lost and bewildered by the storm brewing up inside his emotions.

The next day, he called up one of his psychologists from previous visits. In a state of being disturbed, he shared, "I asked her, 'What do I do? I'm just going through a tough time and I also have a film release coming up'". This proactive approach to getting help underlines the very principle of pursuing mental health concerns at the right time.

Karan Johar's Inspiring Story: Impact on Mental Health Awareness

Karan Johar’s narration has greatly shaped discussions about mental health in India. Through sharing his experiences, he has participated in a rising revolution aimed at combating the stigma surrounding mental illness and promoting open dialogue. 

His candid revelations have encouraged others to come out with their own battles, thus creating an environment of belongingness and empathy for others with similar afflictions. 

Additionally, Johar’s activism has resulted in particular movements to increase awareness about mental health issues. 

For example, he has been involved in numerous campaigns and activities on this topic to motivate people to search for assistance and support when faced with psychological problems.

Powerful Quotes and Interviews of Karan Johar on Mental Health Issues

Karan Johar has shared some really deep thoughts about mental health in interviews and on social media. Some of the notable ones include: 

“To family members, I would simply advise ensuring that this person gets professional help” and “Mental health is as important as physical health.” 

His words touch many people’s lives which makes them see why it’s important to talk about mental disorders and inspire those affected to go for treatment.

Personal Growth of Karan Johar: After Anxiety Treatment

Through his journey managing anxiety disorder, Karan Johar has experienced a huge personal transformation regarding both his state of mind and profession. His past struggles taught him how to keep mental illness a priority in life while helping others through similar situations too. 

Now he has a different approach towards life and work, which is more compassionate.

He has also chosen to open up about mental health concerns in the course of his professional career, making use of various outlets available to him for creating awareness and conversations around such issues.

This will enable him to gain deeper insights into the emotions that these audiences go through as people who are affected by mental health challenges.

When it comes to developing your profession even further, Karan Johar continues to flourish as a director/producer/television presenter. 

In 2023, he was able to release critically acclaimed films like “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani” which won him even greater accolades than before. In addition, under his reign, Dharma Productions produced fifty movies within just five years which is much less than what their founder managed during his lifetime.

Johar has also diversified his business, launching Dharma 2.0 (an ad film arm) in 2016; Dharmatic Entertainment (for OTT content) in 2018; and Dharma Cornerstone Agency (a talent management agency) in 2020. 

These have increased his visibility as a major figure within the entertainment industry and given him opportunities to mentor new talent. 

Although he has faced criticism for reasons like nepotism within the industry, Johar has remained resilient and focused on his goals and dreams. He used this opportunity to focus on causes that he believes in and has been able to bring new things through his creativity as well as go beyond some limitations concerning what can be done creatively. 

In conclusion, Karan Johar's journey towards personal growth has not only improved his mental health but also contributed positively to his career progression.

Karan Johar’s Bio

Karan Johar is a noted Indian film director, producer and television presenter, who is popularly known as K Jo. His films have been successful and he has played a significant part in shaping modern-day Bollywood. Presently, Karan Johar‘s dealing with his anxiety disorder simply helps him raise mental health awareness and allows others to ask for help.

Understanding Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are excessive fear or worries that interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. 

According to the WHO, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health condition affecting about 4% of the global population.

Karan Johar attributes the factors that culminated in his anxious thoughts and feelings to a rather amalgamated list of personal and professional pressures. 

He says struggles started around 2015-2016 when he was passing through a time very ridden with a tight scan that he met in various personal life issues, and all these came while coping with a demanding career in the intensely competitive film industry. 

The need of the hour back then was to cope with the demands of a public persona and the personal vulnerabilities accompanying them, which helped him develop his anxiety.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

Since symptoms could be psychological and physical, anxiety disorders show up in double forms. 

Typical psychological symptoms involved with the majority of anxiety disorders may include the following:

• Excessive Worry: Worries related to many subjects seem like inflated problems.
• Fear and Apprehension: It is a feeling of losing something of great significance and could significantly affect the quality of life.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Because of racing thoughts or a feeling of dread, a patient's focus could have been prefaced.

Physical symptoms may include:

• Pounding Heart: A feeling of one's heartbeat racing or irregularly.
• Sweating and Trembling: Physical manifestations of nervousness or fear.
• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep due to racing thoughts or anxiety.

Causes and Risk Factors

Although the aetiology of anxiety disorders is not perfectly understood, studies indicate that a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors contributes to their aetiology. 

Certain risk factors that stand out include:

• Family History: Having blood relations with anxiety makes the condition all the more prone.
• Traumatic Experiences: Such as abuse or significant loss, can be triggers for anxiety disorders.
• Chronic Stress: The ongoing stressful environment at work, with relationships, or finance-related stressors can deteriorate the symptoms of anxiety.
• Substance Abuse: Alcohol or any inhaled recreational drugs can trigger or deteriorate the condition of anxiety disorders.

Prevalence

An anxiety disorder is a global leading mental health disorder; an estimated 4% of the current global population suffers from this disorder. Anxiety disorders are commonly diagnosed in women compared to men, and the reasons for these differences include general and biological factors.

Available Treatments

Thankfully, there exist numerous effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The most common ones are:

• Psychotherapy: The most effective one is the change and identification of negatives related to anxiety in the thoughts and behaviors of an individual; cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Medications: The use of antidepressants, more selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and anti-anxiety medications can help manage symptoms.
• Lifestyle Changes: Engaging in regular exercises, having a good diet, and practicing mindfulness, like meditation, reduce anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion

Discussions that are open about mental health have been underscored by Karan Johar’s experience of having anxiety disorder. Sharing his experiences has helped foster a better understanding of mental health issues and encouraged people to go for help in India. While engaging in discussions on mental health, it is important to remember the hardships that several individuals go through so that a culture of compassion and understanding can be promoted.

Karan Johar’s story inspires hope in several people by illustrating that recovery is attainable and that seeking assistance is a sign of bravery. While looking forward, let us concentrate on our mental well-being and stand together on our path towards a good life.

Citations

1. World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, September 27). Anxiety disorders. 
2. Any anxiety disorder. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). 
3. Desk, H. E. (2023, October 26). Karan Johar says he had a depressive episode during the NMACC launch. Hindustan Times. 
4. Zakaria, N. (2024, January 15). How Bollywood’s Big Daddy Karan Johar built his empire. The Week. 
5. The Week. (2024, January 11). Karan Johar on nepotism, the film industry, his sexuality and his businesses | Exclusive interview [Video]. YouTube. 
6. On mental health day, Karan Johar opened up about his tryst with anxiety, saying he felt “this cannot happen to me.” The Indian Express. (2023, October 10).