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Colton Haynes Reminds Us Why Talking Mental Health Is So Important
"I've talked about this before," Haynes writes, "but I can't stress enough how important it is to seek help when your feeling down or in your darkest moments."
Colton Haynes spoke out about his personal struggle with mental illness on World Mental Health Day via Instagram, promoting an important stigma-countering narrative.
"Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay," Haynes writes. "This is a photo I took of myself about a month ago when I had reached a point where I had no idea what to do. I had been in bed crying/paralyzed for 3 wks with no explanation. My personal life & career were at an all time high. I've talked about this before but I can't stress enough how important it is to seek help when your feeling down or in your darkest moments. I've struggled with Anxiety & Depression since I was in the 5th grade & it's not something that should go untreated or uncared for. I know a lot of people don't understand mental illness & pass it off as ppl being dramatic...but it's a chemical Imbalance that no one wants to struggle through. It's not easy. So let's all take a second to reach out to those in need of help & those who just need someone to talk to or some encouragement. A little love goes a long way. My heart is with my fellow survivors & ppl struggling through this disease...you aren't alone."
Haynes is one of many who continue to break a tradition of silence surrounding issues that currently affect over 600 million people globally, according to a recent World Health Organization report. On National Coming Out Day—a time of celebration as well as tension, indecision, fear and anxiety for many—putting this narrative in the forefront is vital not only to LGBTQ psychological well-being, but survival.
If you think someone might be struggling with the thought of coming out, or if you're considering making the move, here are some resources to help prepare for the transition:
\u201c10 Helpful Tips to Make #ComingOut to Your Parents Easier https://t.co/wlZLGJyCHL Support is key! #LGBT\u201d— PRIDE (@PRIDE) 1458674858
\u201c15 Reasons Why #ComingOut in College Is Actually the Best https://t.co/63awKwNfIN by @Alexander_Kirk\u201d— PRIDE (@PRIDE) 1472750005
\u201cNothing is going to bring you joy more than being honest with yourself, said @wayuuprincess. #NationalComingOutDay https://t.co/tfL8Av7RVH\u201d— The Advocate (@The Advocate) 1507734311
\u201c4 #ComingOutDay tips from @freedhearts, a mother of two children in the LGBTQI community https://t.co/tPOQdP9BAj\u201d— PRIDE (@PRIDE) 1507746620
Read up on coming out as bisexual, polyamorous, and trans, as well, and remember: All on your own time. Don't let anyone pressure you into coming out before you're ready, safe, and prepared.
LGBT youth (ages 24 and younger) who are considering suicide can reach the Trevor Project Lifeline at (866) 488-7386. If you are a trans or gender-nonconforming person considering suicide, Trans Lifeline can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 can also be reached 24 hours a day by people of all ages and identities.
