Sabyasachi Bagchi: The sudden demise of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput has left everyone shocked. Issues like mental health and depression have emerged all over the social media. Talking about depression no one has witnessed it more than India cricketer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth when he was in exile from cricket after being charged of spot fixing in IPL in 2013. But with a steely resolve and determination, the cricketer from Kerala has braved all odds as he is now eyeing a comeback into mainstream cricket. The bowler shared his life experiences on Xtra Time You Tube Live on Saturday, urging youngsters not to take shortcuts in life but rather embrace the challenges.
On being asked how he reacted to the incident of Sushant’s death, Sreesanth said, “I knew Sushant well. We used to meet each other when we trained together. The last time we met was in a party in Mumbai in February. When I got the news I just could not believe it. Even today I feel he is not a kind of person to do such an act. All I want to say to the youngsters is never run away from your life. You should embrace life and face the challenges it brings.”
Sreesanth too has gone through a depression and even thought about taking his life. But the love for his family restrained him to take such a severe step. Sharing his experiences, the 37 year old cricketer said, “The idea did struck my mind on a couple of occasions when I was being interrogated. But since I came back home I did not ever think once about such a thing. True I was in depression for almost two months. To come out of depression is never easy. It is you who have to come out of it. My father always kept reminding me not to take any such step that I may have to repent.”
While taking about nepotism, Sreesanth said that I think it is not anyone’s fault to be born in a big house. I don’t think nepotism was an issue for Sushant.
“Our heartbeat is a miracle, one has to feel it. The one who sacrifices his life is the biggest loser. People have a feeling is they will be relieved by taking their life if they face extremes but we must constantly keep telling our soul that we need to take on the challenges of life and move ahead. All I can suggest to everyone is when you are not in a good mood you should do one thing and that is to sit upright and look in front. It is a neurologist program which I have followed. I have a bigger responsibility towards my family. All I can say is never run away from your life,” said Sreesanth.