Parvathy Thiruvoth, the acclaimed actress known for her work in Malayalam cinema and other languages, has spoken candidly about the emotional struggles she has faced in her life.
Known for her outspoken views and as one of the founders of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a women-led organisation in the film industry, Parvathy has often stood apart from her contemporaries.
Now, the actor has opened up about a deeply painful phase of her life, revealing that she has, at times, felt suicidal. Speaking on The Mail Feminist, a podcast by Hootersfly, Parvathy said the most recent instance of such thoughts was in 2021.
She described that period as extremely dark, marked by helplessness and profound loneliness. Going through it, she said, was intensely painful.
Parvathy shared that therapy played a crucial role in her recovery. She spoke about different forms of therapy available today, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), which focuses on treating psychological trauma. She also revealed that she currently consults a sex therapist as part of her healing journey.
Before finding the right support, however, Parvathy said she had negative experiences with several therapists. As a public figure, she found it especially difficult to work with professionals who approached her with preconceived notions about her identity. She noted that some of her early therapy sessions were with therapists based in the United States, which meant attending sessions at 1 am or 2 am due to time differences.
By speaking openly about her experiences, Parvathy hopes to encourage conversations around mental health and the importance of seeking appropriate professional help.
Note: Suicide is not a solution to any problem. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek help from mental health professionals. In Kerala, you can contact the ‘Disha’ helpline on the toll-free number 1056 or 0471-2552056.