Television actress Adrija Roy, best known for her role as Raahi in the popular show 'Anupamaa', has spoken candidly about mental well-being, the importance of setting boundaries, and recognising the signs of burnout — ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October. Roy urged people to stop performing wellness and start accepting their true emotional state.

On Admitting Struggle Without Fear

Roy addressed the social pressure to appear composed even during difficult times. 'We often feel that we have to look fine even when we are going through something. Saying 'I'm not okay' can feel difficult because we are scared of being judged or misunderstood. But I feel there is nothing wrong in admitting that you are struggling. Sometimes, just accepting how you feel is the first step towards feeling better,' she said.

The actress added that navigating public life means dealing with a constant stream of opinions. 'You cannot take every comment personally. Everyone will have an opinion about you, but you know yourself better than anyone else. I try to focus on the people and things that genuinely matter to me and not allow every outside opinion to disturb my peace,' she noted.

Recognising Burnout and the Need to Pause

Roy offered a personal lens on burnout, identifying the moment enjoyment drains from everyday activities as a critical warning sign. 'For me, the biggest sign is when I stop enjoying things that normally make me happy. When you feel physically and mentally exhausted and everything starts feeling like a task, that is when you need to pause,' she explained.

She pushed back against the stigma of stepping back from work, saying, 'Taking a little time off does not mean you are lazy. Sometimes you need to slow down to come back stronger.' This framing aligns with a growing conversation in Indian entertainment circles around sustainable working conditions and the toll of high-pressure production schedules.

Boundaries, Expectations, and Protecting One's Peace

The actress — also known for her earlier appearance in 'Kundali Bhagya' — spoke about the hard-won ability to say no. 'I remind myself that I cannot make everyone happy all the time. I have learned to set boundaries and say no when something does not feel right for me. It took time, but I realized that protecting your peace is not selfish,' Roy said.

Reflecting on difficult personal phases, she offered a message of resilience: 'One thing I have learned is that every phase passes. You may not have all the answers immediately, but you have to trust yourself and give yourself time.'

Social Media, Comparison, and Real Life

Roy also flagged the mental toll of social media comparison culture, encouraging followers to stay rooted in real relationships rather than curated online personas. She stressed that staying connected with loved ones and one's own sense of self is more valuable than projecting an image of perfection, and concluded that 'peace matters more than appearing perfect.'

Currently starring alongside Rupali Ganguli in 'Anupamaa', Roy's remarks arrive as mental health conversations gain visibility across Indian media, particularly around World Mental Health Day. Her message — grounded in lived experience rather than prescription — adds a personal voice to an issue that is only slowly shedding its stigma in mainstream public discourse.