Rising to fame after being cast in 2005 breakout hit Prison Break, heart throb Wentworth Miller has experienced the emotional ups and downs of stardom in Hollywood. Currently starring in DC‘s Legends Of Tomorrow Miller recently opened up out about his battle with depression and suicidal tendencies following Prison Break‘s cancellation, while speaking out against a meme making light of his weight gain during that time.
Today I found myself the subject of an Internet meme. Not for the first time. This one, however, stands out from the...
Posted by Wentworth Miller on Monday, March 28, 2016
Miller took to Facebook yesterday to address the meme, writing that: "In 2010, semi-retired from acting, I was keeping a low-profile for a number of reasons. First and foremost, I was suicidal."
"This is a subject I've since written about, spoken about, shared about. But at the time I suffered in silence. As so many do. The extent of my struggle known to very, very few."
Going on he added that "ashamed and in pain, I considered myself damaged goods. And the voices in my head urged me down the path to self-destruction. Not for the first time. I've struggled with depression since childhood. It's a battle that's cost me time, opportunities, relationships, and a thousand sleepless nights."
Food was what he turned to, the actor revealing that it was "the one thing I could look forward to" in his time of darkness. "There were stretches when the highlight of my week was a favorite meal and a new episode of TOP CHEF. Sometimes that was enough. Had to be," he went on. "And I put on weight. Big f—king deal."
Recalling when he first starting seeing people making negative comments about his weight back in 2010 - and the hurt they made him feel - he is stoic. "Long story short, I survived. So do those pictures.
I’m glad," he says of the time.
"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," he wrote.
"Like a dandelion up through the pavement, I persist. Anyway. Still. Despite.
"The first time I saw this meme pop up in my social media feed, I have to admit, it hurt to breathe," he went on.
Rather than allow that negativity rule his life though, Miller made a choice. "As with everything in life, I get to assign meaning," he wrote. "And the meaning I assign to this/my image is Strength. Healing. Forgiveness."
Ending the post with advice to the friends and loved ones of others going through what he went through he urged them to: "Reach out. Text. Send an email. Pick up the phone. Someone cares. They're waiting to hear from you.
"If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available."
Miller is currently starring in DC's Legends Of Tomorrow and will reprise his role in Prison Break when the show relaunches later this year.
Anyone requiring help or information on mental health can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
