Kristen Bell is the latest celebrity to reveal her struggles with mental illness, in a piece she’s penned for Motto.
Bell discusses the taboo around topics like anxiety and depression, admitting that this is the first time in 15 years that she’s felt comfortable talking publicly about her own experiences without the fear of judgement. “But now I’m at a point where I don’t believe anything should be taboo. So here I am, talking to you about what I’ve experienced,” she writes.
The Veronica Mars, Frozen and Forgetting Sarah Marshall actress revealed exactly how it feels when she is depressed, but how she now understands that by speaking out she can help others who have also felt worthless.
“Here’s the thing: For me, depression is not sadness. It’s not having a bad day and needing a hug. It gave me a complete and utter sense of isolation and loneliness. Its debilitation was all-consuming, and it shut down my mental circuit board. I felt worthless, like I had nothing to offer, like I was a failure.
“Now, after seeking help, I can see that those thoughts, of course, couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s important for me to be candid about this so people in a similar situation can realize that they are not worthless and that they do have something to offer. We all do.”
Bell is also of the belief that your mental health should be checked as regularly as seeing a dentist or doctor, and that she’s “over” people judging others with mental health issues. “It’s a knee-jerk reaction to judge people when they’re vulnerable,” she reflects.
“But there’s nothing weak about struggling with mental illness. You’re just having a harder time living in your brain than other people. And I don’t want you to feel alone. You know what happens when I visit my doctor regarding my mental health? He listens.”
She also has some sage advise for those suffering right now. According to Bell, communication is key. “In order for all of us to experience the full breadth of team human, we have to communicate. Talking about how you’re feeling is the first step to helping yourself.
“Depression is a problem that actually has so many solutions. Let’s work together to find those solutions for each other and cast some light on a dark situation.”
Read the full article here.
If you need help, you can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
