Mental illness poses a daily threat to the individuals who are forced to cope with it, and yet it appears as though most people are afraid to discuss such an important topic. More specifically, anxiety disorders are the most common in America, and the stigma surrounding them seems to be more prevalent than ever. After recently revealing her family’s history of mental illness, Kristen Bell is now openly discussing her own battle with depression, and why she’s done with the stigma and taboo nature of mental illness.
In a personal essay for Motto, the actress explains why she has decided to now come clean about her difficulties, after being in the spotlight for so many years. “When you try to keep things hidden, they fester and ultimately end up revealing themselves in a far more destructive way than if you approach them with honesty. I didn’t speak publicly about my struggles with mental health for the first 15 years of my career. But now I’m at a point where I don’t believe anything should be taboo,” she says.
For Kristen, depression isn’t characterized by the overwhelming sense of sadness (which most people probably assume). “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,” Kristen explains. “I felt worthless, like I had nothing to offer, like I was a failure.”
Despite living with the illness for quite some time, Kristen credits her mother for encouraging her to seek help. “When I was 18, my mom sat me down and said, ‘If there ever comes a time where you feel like a dark cloud is following you, you can get help. You can talk to me, talk to a therapist, talk to a doctor. I want you to know that there are options.'”
Moreover, Kristen says that depression hit her during her time in college. “I felt plagued with a negative attitude and a sense that I was permanently in the shade. I’m normally such a bubbly, positive person, and all of a sudden I stopped feeling like myself.”
Because her mom let her know that she had alternatives to help her adjust, Kristen felt comfortable seeking help “without shame.” And now, Kristen is hoping that she can help others see that they’re not alone. “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,” she says. “You’re just having a harder time living in your brain than other people. And I don’t want you to feel alone.”
Ultimately, Kristen believes that open discussions will better facilitate those struggling with depression and other mental illnesses. “We’re all on team human here, and let’s be honest—it’s not an easy team to be on. It’s stressful and taxing and worrisome, but it’s also fulfilling and beautiful and bright,” she says. “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.”