Devoleena Bhattacharjee Reveals Childhood Trauma of Caring for Schizophrenic Mother
In a deeply emotional and revealing podcast interview, television actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee has opened up about the profound challenges she faced during her childhood, including caring for her mother who suffers from schizophrenia from the tender age of 11. The Saath Nibhana Saathiya fame star shared these personal struggles during a conversation with friend and fellow actress Rashami Desai, providing a rare glimpse into the personal battles behind her public persona.
Early Responsibilities and Family Health Crisis
Devoleena Bhattacharjee disclosed that her childhood was marked by unexpected responsibilities when her mother began experiencing schizophrenia attacks. "I was only 11 years old then, and my brothers were even younger," she recalled. "During the first couple of years, I had to take care of many responsibilities at home, even simple things like making sure she ate properly and took her medication."
The actress described how she would often take her mother to the hospital alone during these episodes, a daunting task for a child. She explained the nature of schizophrenia, saying, "Schizophrenia is like an illusion, they feel someone is talking to them. We cannot see anyone, but they feel that someone is there and speaking to them."
Financial Lessons and Maternal Strength
Despite these challenges, Devoleena learned valuable life lessons from her mother about financial management and resilience. "My mother often talked about saving money for my future and for my brother's wedding," she shared. "I also learned the value of saving and managing money from my mother. She taught me how important it is to plan finances carefully."
She expressed admiration for her mother's strength, particularly after her father's passing. "My mom built everything through her own efforts. Today, she even owns three houses. She raised us, educated us, and ensured we completed our studies and settled in life," Devoleena said with evident pride.
Brother's Tragic Death and Depression
The family faced another devastating blow when Devoleena's younger brother passed away. "His death shattered me, and I went through a very difficult phase," she confessed. "I almost slipped into depression because it was too much to handle emotionally."
This period marked a significant emotional struggle for the actress, who was already dealing with the pressures of her mother's illness and the loss of her childhood. "I grew up so fast that I didn't even realise when my childhood slipped away," she reflected.
Healing and Current Relationship with Mother
Despite the childhood frustrations and anger she experienced, Devoleena emphasized that her relationship with her mother has evolved into one of deep care and concern. "The anger or frustration I felt earlier was during my childhood when I didn't fully understand the situation," she explained. "Now, there is only care and concern for her."
She remains vigilant about her mother's health, noting that her mother takes 18-19 medications daily for various conditions including diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid issues, and schizophrenia. "My mother needs to take medicines for the rest of her life, and if she skips them, I start worrying," she added.
Perspective on Bigg Boss and Public Criticism
In a separate reflection on her public life, Devoleena shared her philosophy regarding her appearances on reality show Bigg Boss. "I never took those things seriously," she stated. "I always believed that whatever happened inside Bigg Boss was limited to the show itself. That was part of the game, not my real life."
This mindset has helped her maintain perspective when facing public criticism or trolling. "Even when people troll me, if I happen to meet them in person, I simply smile, talk politely, and move on," she revealed, demonstrating the resilience developed through her personal struggles.
The interview provides a powerful testament to the actress's journey from childhood adversity to professional success, highlighting both the emotional toll of mental health challenges within families and the remarkable strength that can emerge from such experiences.
