It's important for people with power to bring about social change: Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone, who opened up a foundation to help others battle depression, is of the view that those who have influence or power should use it for social good.

"I think it is extremely important for those who are in positions of influence or power to bring about social change. It is extremely important for them to speak up about whatever issue it might be," said the Bollywood actress.

The Piku star believes that the social cause one supports should be close to the person's heart. "For many years, people always said, 'You know you are successful, you should do work in social sectors as well or associate with an NGO'. There were so many options (for me), but I didn't feel like I was being honest to them. It didn't come naturally to me until I came across mental health, also because of my personal experience."

"I don't think there is any fixed time as to when one should do it. I think you should do it when you feel it is right," she said.

Answering the question whether celebrities are more prone to depression due to the emergence of social media and thenbeing under the limelight at all times, Deepika said, "No."

"I think I have understood the correlation between consumption of social media and when it helps. I always believed that whatever you consume, you consume in moderation. If you consume too much, it could have various sorts of impact, not just on your mental health but physical health too. I know people who are up at social media in the wee hours and probably letting it eat up their sleep time. As long as anything that you consume, whether it is social media or otherwise, is done in moderation, and you are aware about your social health, I think you are on the right path."

Speaking of her foundation she said, "My vision for the Foundation is that we become the happiest country in the world. I see Bhutan having their happiness minister, and even some of the Scandinavian countries have the highest rate of mental happiness and I want India to be there, sooner or later."