In her journey as an advocate for mental health, Samantha Ruth Prabhu acknowledges the challenge of engaging fans primarily interested in entertainment and fashion. Despite this hurdle, she remains steadfast in her commitment to promoting holistic well-being.
Since candidly sharing her battle with the autoimmune disease Myositis in 2022, Samantha has been transparent about her spiritual and holistic healing journey. From encouraging followers to prioritize physical health to launching a podcast focused on mental well-being, the actor recognizes the difficulty in shifting the conversation away from entertainment-centric topics.
“I have a fan base that is probably more interested in entertainment, fashion, make-up. So, to make that transition into health, and advocating mental health is not really an easy one. I have to change perceptions, and that takes time but it’s okay,” Samantha reflects on the challenges she faces as both an actor and a mental health advocate.
Turning 37 on April 28, Samantha remains committed to her cause, demonstrating patience as she navigates these conversations. “This is the cause that is closest to my heart, and I’m willing to put in that time and effort. If I can bring about some change even with a handful of people, I’ll be very happy because somewhere I believe this is my calling, this is what I’m meant to be doing,” she shares.
Known for her roles in films like “Kushi,” “Pushpa,” and the web show “The Family Man” season 2, Samantha emphasizes the integral link between physical and mental health. “You can’t be healthy physically if you are not looking after your mental health, and the two go hand-in-hand. That’s why I strongly advocate for just following a few simple practices that help with good mental health and in turn good physical health,” she explains.
While undergoing treatment for Myositis, Samantha continues to manage her shooting schedules while focusing on recovery. Despite facing trolls on social media, Samantha has developed coping mechanisms to navigate these challenges. “So much of this process is about having a selective filter of sorts. I think I have reached a place where I can almost instinctively filter out the crap from the good. So it’s not as hard as it used to be!” she shares with a smile.
In summary, Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s journey as a mental health advocate highlights the importance of perseverance and patience in navigating conversations with fans primarily interested in entertainment and fashion. Despite these obstacles, Samantha remains steadfast in her commitment to promoting holistic well-being and fostering positive change within her community.
