Celina Jaitly, the well-known actress, recently expressed her thoughts on her emotional challenges and the healing process she is undergoing during her divorce proceedings. Last November, she initiated legal action against her Austrian spouse, Peter Haag, alleging domestic violence, cruelty, and manipulation, while seeking ₹50 crore in damages shortly after receiving divorce papers. Her reflective message sheds light on the significant emotional burden such circumstances can impose.
In her candid message, Celina stated, “#healing If you notice me looking happy, enjoying my favorite meals, and wearing lovely clothes, please allow me that moment. You did not witness the nights filled with tears or the days when I felt utterly lost. You are unaware of how often I nearly surrendered to despair. I have fought silent battles that went unnoticed. I have learned to thrive on my own.”
She continued, “So, when you see my laughter today, understand that it has not come easily. This smile is a product of overcoming hardship. The peace I possess is something I have fought for. To anyone experiencing pain, heartbreak, or trauma, please listen to me when I say this—I have been there. If your life feels uncertain now, do not chase after external validation; instead, turn inward. Opt for healing. Choose to grow. Strive to become stronger, calmer, more present, and more confident, one day at a time.” She underscored the gradual process of recovery by stating, “As you begin to transform into your best self, life will start to open the right doors for you. Yes, you may still cry at night, but that’s perfectly fine. Crying is not a sign of weakness; it is a form of release. One day, those tears will dry.”
Celina, who wed the entrepreneur and hotelier in 2010, is a dedicated mother to three sons: twins Winston and Viraaj, born in 2012, and Arthur, born in 2017.
Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counselor and psychotherapist at The Answer Room, notes, “Coping on the outside often translates to changing behavior without fully processing emotions.” She emphasizes that many individuals learn to manage their daily responsibilities—working, socializing, and remaining productive—while internally suppressing or compartmentalizing their distress. The nervous system does not equate mere functioning with genuine healing; unaddressed grief, trauma, or chronic stress can manifest as feelings of emptiness or unexpected emotional breakdowns.
Khangarot points out a division between the “functional self” and the “emotional self.” The former manages daily life, while the latter holds unresolved pain. When there isn’t sufficient safe space, time, or support to fully experience emotions, they do not simply vanish; rather, they become buried. “Over time, this can lead to a sense of disconnection or numbness, even when things appear stable on the surface. Additionally, societal pressures to appear strong can hinder vulnerability, exacerbating internal struggles,” she adds.
According to Khangarot, rebuilding self-esteem after enduring prolonged emotional distress involves not “fixing” oneself, but rather restoring a relationship with oneself that may have suffered over time. Emotional pain, particularly from loss or relationship disruptions, often distorts fundamental beliefs about oneself—such as “I am not enough” or “I am unlovable.” Healing begins with gently recognizing and challenging these narratives rather than accepting them as truths.
Khangarot explains, “Stability arises from consistency, not intensity. Small, repeated actions—keeping commitments to oneself, adhering to routines, and engaging with daily life—aid in rebuilding internal trust. Regulating the nervous system through movement, rest, and grounding techniques helps mitigate emotional volatility, making it easier to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.”
Establishing safe connections is equally crucial. Being acknowledged and appreciated in healthy relationships, including therapeutic settings, can gradually transform how one perceives themselves. Participating in activities that foster a sense of mastery or purpose also helps restore a sense of competence.
“Ultimately, over time, self-worth shifts from being reliant on external validation to being internally anchored—becoming less about how others treat you and more about your relationship with yourself, especially during challenging times,” Khangarot concludes.
