Mumbai, Oct 10 (NationPress) In recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10, mental health advocate and entrepreneur Ira Khan, who is also the daughter of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, released a video discussing this critical issue. In her video, Ira delved into the topic of mental health and its underlying causes. She posed the question, 'Why do mental illnesses happen?' She explained, 'Mental illnesses occur for various reasons, similar to physical illnesses.'

She elaborated, 'Typically, there isn't a straightforward answer when it comes to mental illnesses because they arise from multiple factors, many of which are not visible.' This complexity means that predicting mental illness is challenging. Khan noted, 'You could attempt to analyze every detail of your life to understand why it happened, but our brains aren’t designed like computers, and this approach is unproductive.' She emphasized the importance of treatment, stating, 'What truly matters is addressing the mental illness, moving forward, and seeking recovery.'

To facilitate this, she highlighted that mental illnesses arise from three primary factors: biological (such as brain structure, genetics, hormones, and chemicals), psychological (including trauma, conditioning, habits, and belief systems), and social (factors such as unemployment, climate change, relocation, war, and poverty). Understanding these elements is crucial, as they can be integrated into a treatment plan. 'Empowering oneself to influence these biopsychosocial factors is key to recovery.'

In concluding her video, Ira remarked, 'Mental illness can be frightening because we are only starting to understand it, and many of these factors are not immediately visible.' She reassured viewers that 'mental illness is painful and daunting but not a source of shame, and treatment is accessible.' Ira captioned her insightful video, 'WHY DO MENTAL ILLNESSES HAPPEN? We have an answer, even if it’s lengthy and may not be what you expect.' She elaborated, 'Mental illnesses do not arise from a single event or mistake; they result from the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors - including genetics, stress, environment, and life experiences.' Importantly, she noted that these conditions are not a reflection of worth and should not invoke shame.

She concluded, 'Understanding the causes is beneficial, but focusing on the present is more powerful. This is where treatment, growth, and recovery begin. While mental illnesses can be intimidating and painful, they are not shameful, and help is available.' Ira Khan has openly shared her personal experiences with mental health challenges.

The entrepreneur proudly leads her own foundation dedicated to mental wellness for those in need. Through her podcast series, she raises awareness about mental health issues. The first episode of her podcast, titled 'The Curious Case of…', debuted on August 17, 2025, across various online platforms.

Ira explained that her podcast aims to raise awareness and help listeners comprehend the complexities of mental health. Unlike many other stars from Bollywood families, she has chosen not to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, preferring to make a societal impact in her unique way.