Mumbai, Nov 4 (NationPress) ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ actress Samridhii Shukla recently shared her experience of navigating through a challenging mental phase in her life.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, the actress reflected on her journey of tackling emotional hurdles while remaining focused on her career and personal growth. Samridhii expressed, “I was going through a phase where I faced significant struggles, as I craved a life that encompassed everything. Being part of a daily soap consumes a large portion of your time, leaving little room for anything else. I often miss out on various social and recreational activities I wished to engage in.”

“During that time, it felt like I was deprived of the opportunity to do more. However, with guidance from a friend, I realized that leading an extraordinary life requires letting go of ordinary distractions. You need to accept certain sacrifices to nurture your career. If you have this amazing opportunity, it’s essential to find joy in it and be present. There will eventually be time for the other things you aspire to do, but not while you are focused here. This mindset has granted me peace and a fresh perspective.”

Samridhii is open about her mental health journey. “I’ve experienced extremely dark thoughts, and my mind was not a pleasant place. However, practicing gratitude, maintaining perspective, and focusing on the present, along with breathing exercises, have been immensely beneficial. I believe that resources like books, insightful podcasts, and educational videos play a vital role in managing these feelings. The Internet also helps you realize that you are not alone in this struggle.”

She elaborated, “Support from family, friends, and society is crucial for mental well-being. It’s important for individuals to feel less isolated. Many young people battle depression for extended periods, leading to tragic outcomes. I wish they had a safe space and someone—be it a parent, friend, or partner—to confide in. I believe anyone who cares for you would intervene if you expressed suicidal thoughts and help redirect your thinking.”

Samridhii Shukla is currently portraying the lead character of Abhira, alongside Rohit Purohit, in Star Plus’s acclaimed and long-running show “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.”