In a recent interview, Marathi actress Girija Oak opened up about her personal struggles with panic attacks, revealing that they stemmed from the emotional turmoil she experienced following her parents' separation. Girija, daughter of veteran actor Girish Oak and pharmacist Padmashree Phatak, shared that her parents' divorce wasn't a sudden event but rather a gradual process that became a part of her daily life.

"It wasn't like I woke up one day and I had a trauma. This was something that was part of my life. It was everyday survival," Girija explained. She admitted that amidst the responsibilities of studies and college, she didn't initially grasp the depth of the emotional impact. "You don't really know how it's affecting you. I didn't understand what was happening to me or if anything was happening to me at all," she confessed.

As time passed, the actress began experiencing physical symptoms of stress. "I started getting panic attacks. I would get palpitations, my palms would get sweaty, I would start getting breathless, and I would start sweating," she recounted. These episodes were particularly confusing because they would occur even during seemingly calm moments, such as while traveling to college or studying.

Initially, Girija believed she had a medical issue. "I thought something was wrong with me medically. I went to the doctor and asked her if it was related to my heart," she said. It was the doctor who suggested therapy, guiding her towards a psychologist for talk therapy and prescribing mild, as-needed medication.

Girija admitted that she initially struggled to discuss her therapy. "I did not speak about it to anybody because I had no idea how it was. It wasn't even the stigma of being called crazy. I just didn't understand what to say," she explained. She also revealed that she carried the "baggage" of being a child of a broken marriage, which influenced her approach to relationships. "I live with this baggage that I am a product of a failed or broken marriage," Girija stated. This led her to put pressure on herself to "do it right" in her own relationships. "If I hadn't taken this load on myself, I would have stood up for myself in some of my previous relationships," she added.

Despite these challenges, Girija has found happiness and stability in her marriage to Suhrud Godbole, whom she describes as a close friend. "When I met Suhrud, it felt like a balm," she shared. She emphasizes the importance of open communication and prioritizing mental health in a relationship.

Girija's story highlights the importance of addressing mental health and seeking help when needed. Her willingness to share her experiences can inspire others facing similar challenges to prioritize their well-being and seek support.