Actor writes emotional testimonial about depression after photo becomes meme

Actor writes emotional testimonial about depression after photo becomes meme | CLAUDIA

EXTENDED! SUBSCRIBE from R$1/week

“Today I found out that I became the subject of an internet meme. It is not the first time.

This one, however, stands out among the others.

In 2010, nearly retired from acting, I was being low-key for a variety of reasons.

First and foremost, I was suicidal.

This is a subject I’ve written about, talked about, shared about.

But at that time I was suffering in silence. As many are. The size of my struggle was known by very few.

Ashamed and in pain, I considered myself badly hurt. And the voices in my head called for the path of self-destruction. It wasn’t the first time.

I have struggled with depression since childhood. It’s a battle that costs me time, opportunities, relationships and thousands of nights of sleep.

In 2010, at the lowest point of my adult life, I was looking everywhere for something to relieve/comfort/distract me. And I turned it into food. It could have been anything. Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. But eating was the only thing I could do. He was counting on her to carry on. There were times when the highlight of my week was my favorite meal and an episode of TOP CHEF. Sometimes that was what was needed. It had to be.

And I gained weight. Big Deal.

One day, I was out with a friend in Los Angeles, we came across a camera crew from a reality show. Unbeknownst to me, there were paparazzi walking around. They took my picture, and it was posted side by side with another picture of me from another time in my career. “Hunk to Chunk”. “Fit for saggy”. Etc.

My mother has one of those “friends” who are always the first to bring bad news. He clipped such an article from a nationally popular magazine and sent it to her. She called me, worried.

In 2010, fighting for my mental health, this was the last thing I needed.

Long story short, I survived.

So they made this image.

I’m happy.

Now, when I look at this photo where I’m wearing a red T-shirt, a rare smile on my face, I am reminded of my suffering. My endurance and perseverance in front of all kinds of demons. Some inside. Others out.

Like a dandelion in the middle of concrete, I persist.

Anyway. Still. Despite.

The first time I saw this meme pop up on my social media, I have to admit, it was hard to breathe. But like everything else in life, I needed to assign meaning. And the meaning I gave to this/my image is Strength. Cure. Pardon.

From myself and others.

If you or someone you know is suffering, help is available. Reach. Send a text message. An e-mail. Pick up the phone. Does anyone care. They are waiting to hear from you. With love. – WM”

A little tear slipped here… Go for it Wentworth and everyone who faces this daily struggle.