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Vijay Varma Says Lockdown Led to Severe Depression, Credits Ira Khan for Steering Him to Therapy

On Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast, he describes immobilizing isolation, with recovery rooted in therapy and yoga.

Overview

  • Varma says he was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety during the 2020 lockdown after beginning therapy over Zoom.
  • Ira Khan noticed his deterioration, set up online workouts, and encouraged him to seek professional help.
  • Actor Gulshan Devaiah was part of the limited support circle that kept in touch with Varma during months of isolation.
  • He recalls being unable to move off the couch for days and breaking down during yoga as long-suppressed emotions surfaced.
  • His therapist proposed medication as a possibility, which he initially deferred while working through childhood trauma and guilt.