Thankfully, mental health is a subject which has begun to be talked about more and more in recent times, and it’s this sharing of experiences which is helping people to come forward and discuss their own stories.
In this spirit, we are so grateful to Hollywood star and mum-of-two Kristen Bell, who has opened up about her own battle with anxiety and depression this weekend.
In an interview with Off Camera, the 35-year-old revealed that she has lived with these conditions since her teenage years and has been on medication to deal with their effects ever since.
Offering up an insight into how the conditions affect her, Kristen said: “I shatter a little bit when I think people don't like me. That's part of why I lead with kindness and I compensate by being very bubbly all the time, because it really hurts my feelings when I know I'm not liked. And I know that's not very healthy, and I fight it all the time."
She recounted how, at the age of 18, her mother – who is a nurse – informed her that there is a serotonin imbalance that runs through her family.
Kristen credits this ‘open and honest dialogue’ with her mum for helping her deal with her diagnosis.
She explained: “I got on a prescription when I was really young and I still take it today, and I have no shame in that because my mom had said to me, 'If you start to feel this way, talk to your doctor, talk to a psychologist, see how you want to help yourself.'"
The star, who has daughters Lincoln and Delta with actor husband Dax Shepard, went on to share some very important words of advice to anyone who may be struggling with anxiety and/ or depression.
"If you do decide to go on a prescription to help yourself, understand that the world wants to shame you for that, but in the medical community, you would never deny a diabetic his insulin,” she said.
It’s so important for people to speak out against the stigmas that others often attach to these conditions.
