Former Machachari actress Mama Stella has opened up about her struggles with depression and alcoholism following her diagnosis with vitiligo, a skin condition characterized by white patches on various parts of the body.

"In 2018, I was diagnosed with a skin condition, and my skin started changing color. It took some time before they identified it as vitiligo. My self-esteem plummeted, and I didn’t realize it would lead to depression," she shared.

Mama Stella revealed that her battle with depression lasted three years, during which she turned to alcohol for comfort. "I fell into alcoholism. Alcohol became my solace. Every time I looked in the mirror and saw how my skin was changing, I would drink."

Despite seeking medical help, she felt that the doctors weren’t providing real solutions. "The doctors were just prescribing tablets without offering any real answers. Every morning, I’d start with a drink. When you’re depressed and drinking, you know it’s harmful, but you can’t stop."

She encouraged people not to judge others who turn to alcohol, stressing that some may be struggling silently. "Don’t judge people when you see them drinking. They might be going through something and feel they have no one to talk to, or they don’t trust anyone enough to share their pain."

Mama Stella also shared that, for her, the COVID-19 lockdown provided unexpected relief. "The Corona period was a blessing in disguise. I could wake up and drink, and with the masks, no one knew who I was. Before that, I stayed indoors and sent people to the shop."

She recalled the hurtful rumors she encountered about her condition. "I heard many rumors. Some people said I was bewitched, others claimed it was karma for sleeping with people’s husbands. Some said I had cancer or HIV/AIDS."

She ended by sharing that despite everything, she is happily married, having celebrated 31 years with her husband.