Wentworth Miller staying aware of depression
Wentworth Miller hasn’t had a "major depressive episode" in three years.
The ‘Prison Break’ actor has battled depression and suicidal thoughts since childhood but these days he does his best to stay "really aware" of his moods and has urged others to "reach out" to those in crisis.
He said: "I haven’t experienced a major depressive episode in maybe three years.
"I try to stay really aware of where I’m at and what’s up for me.
"And I’ll just emphasize how important it is to reach out if you think someone is in crisis. The tiniest gesture can have a huge impact. Just let them know they’re not alone. It can make a difference."
The 44-year-old actor spoke out about his struggles earlier this year after an Internet post mocking his weight gain when ‘Prison Break’ ended went viral, and admitted the photo was a time when he was at his "lowest point" and comfort eating.
And he now says he made the Facebook post as he has learned writing about his feelings is "life saving".
He told People magazine: "I was having a really strong emotional experience and I needed to get it out.
"Articulating how I’m feeling, that’s a life-saving practice. And it’s part of my self-care.
"I knew whoever was responsible didn’t know me or know anything about me. They didn’t have a clue what kinds of issues they were bringing up for me."
The viral post had featured a picture of the actor’s toned physique from 2006 and another of him fuller-figured four years later and was captioned: "When you break out of prison and find out about the McDonald’s Monopoly."
Wentworth then addressed the unkind meme and detailed his long battle with depression.
At the time, he wrote on Facebook: "I’ve struggled with depression since childhood.
"It’s a battle that’s cost me time, opportunities, relationships, and a thousand sleepless nights.
"In 2010, at the lowest point in my adult life, I was looking everywhere for relief/comfort/distraction. And I turned to food.
"It could have been anything. Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. But eating became the one thing I could look forward to. Count on to get me through.
"There were stretches when the highlight of my week was a favourite meal and a new episode of Top Chef. Sometimes that was enough. Had to be. And I put on weight. Big deal.
"One day, out for a hike in Los Angeles with a friend, we crossed paths with a film crew shooting a reality show. Unbeknownst to me, paparazzi were circling. They took my picture, and the photos were published alongside images of me from another time in my career. "Hunk To Chunk." "Fit To Flab." Etc…
"In 2010, fighting for my mental health, it was the last thing I needed.
"Long story short, I survived. So do those pictures.
"I’m glad. Now, when I see that image of me in my red T-shirt, a rare smile on my face, I am reminded of my struggle. My endurance and my perseverance in the face of all kinds of demons. Some within. Some without. (sic)"
Website The Lad Bible later apologized for sharing the meme.
