Bigg Boss 17: From Khanzaadi to Abhishek Kumar, times when the contestants spoke about mental health issues

First things first. One needs to accept the fact that, the contestants who are seen on any reality show (in this case, Bigg Boss 17), sign a basic contract that contains many clauses including NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) amongst the others. But, at no point, do the contestants ever sign up to be at the receiving end of the mockery or even for doing mockery of their fellow contestants, especially at a time when someone has been cited to have a mental health issue. This is exactly what had happened in yesterday’s episode of Bigg Boss 17, when Abhishek Kumar spoke (read ‘confessed’) of having claustrophobia.

No sooner did he speak about it, his fellow contestants (who happen to be his ‘ex- girlfriend’ Isha Malviya and her ‘present boyfriend’ Samarth Jurel started poking him and made a mockery of his mental health. The latest update on the same is that, there are many celebrities who have now come together (on social media) in support of Abhishek Kumar and his mental health. With the ongoing season nearing its finale, let's have a look at the various times when the contestants spoke about mental health in the seasons gone by:

Contestant:
Abhishek Kumar 

Health issue:
Claustrophobia

In simple terms, it means:
Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder which causes a strong fear of enclosed spaces

What happened after he spoke about it?
As stated above, no sooner did Abhishek tell his fellow contestants that he is suffering from Claustrophobia, Isha Malviya and Samarth Jurel started making fun of him and his mental health. 

The repercussions?
Abhishek Kumar was just not able to handle the constant and non-stop nagging from Samarth. Unable to handle it any further, Abhishek landed up slapping Samarth in the spur of the moment.

Contestant:
Khanzaadi 

Health issue:
Ankylosing Spondylosis 

In simple terms, it means:
Ankylosing spondylitis is an arthritic condition wherein the joints and ligaments of the spine get inflamed.

What happened after she spoke about it?
Time and again, a handful of her fellow contestants raked up this topic only with the sole intention of taunting her. 

The repercussions?
There was a time when she had almost lost her self-control, so much so that, when Salman Khan had called her out during the ‘Weekend Kaa Vaar’, one could see Khanzaadi totally losing control over her language and words that came out of her mouth. The end result was that she shut herself in the washroom and was crying bitterly.

Contestant
Divya Agarwal 

Health issue:
Mental and emotional breakdown

In simple terms, it means:
The pressure inside the Bigg Boss (OTT) house was so much that she, initially, just could not handle it. That’s why, she was seen crying during the initial tenure of her stay in the Bigg Boss OTT house.

What happened after he spoke about it?
In one of her interviews to The Times Of India, Divya said that having a panic attack or a breakdown inside the house was a bit stressful.

What happened eventually?
Well… Divya roared like a lioness and soared to the skies and despite many setbacks like backstabbing and non-friendly people around her, she, with her grit and determination went onto lift the Bigg Boss OTT trophy!

Contestant:
Kushal Tandon

Health issue:
Anger issues 

In simple terms, it means:
He was seen getting angry at the drop of a hat. A simple thing could also act as a trigger. 

What happened?
Kushal, who was seen in the seventh season of the Bigg Boss show, was seen having a tough time and also giving a tough time to his fellow contestants. Many a time, he was seen fighting with his fellow contestants, because of his anger issues.

The repercussions?
After Kushal Tandon had got evicted from the reality show Bigg Boss, he had revealed that he required therapy to deal with anger management issues.

Contestant:
Shalin Bhanot 

Health issue:
Emotional breakdown 

In simple terms, it means:
A breakdown / collapse of emotions after one has been let down by someone who the person trusted the most or maybe an incident might have left a deep impact on the mind 

What happened after he spoke about it?
There were many times when his emotional breakdown was made fun of by the fellow contestants of that season. 

The repercussions?
Well, as per a report in PTC Punjabi, it had been reported that, Shalin, in one of his earlier interviews, did mention about his mental health taking a toll because of the constant negativity and conflicts in the house. He had even spoken about how all of this would translate into him getting troubled sleep.

Contestant
Anurag Dobhal aka Rider 

Mental health issue:
Emotional breakdown 

In simple terms, it means:
This means a negative emotional reaction which could be caused by someone else's actions

What happened?
Even though (initially) there have been many times before when Anurag Dobhal was desperately wanting to go home, the makers of the show, eventually managed to calm him down. But, this week, before his eviction, Anurag was told to walk into the hall of shame!

The repercussions?
After his eviction from Bigg Boss, Anurag, in an interview with Indian Express said (read ‘claimed’) that he was the first contestant to go against Bigg Boss or Salman Khan.