With the tragic passing’s of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade, discussions about depression and suicide are once again at the forefront of the news, and Olivia Munn is the latest celebrity who has come forward to talk about her struggles with her mental health.
Munn wrote out her feelings on her Instagram account, first confessing that she has “lived with anxiety and sporadic bouts of depression for most of my adult life. Ten years ago I tackled it, learned how to understand it fully and haven’t felt the dark depths of depression in about a decade.”
Yet before she got a grip on her mental health, Munn admits, “thoughts of suicide crossed my mind more than a few times. For those who don’t understand depression, when someone is in that place it’s not because they want to die…it’s because the ongoing relentless darkness is too painful to endure anymore. You don’t have to suffer from anxiety to feel that low. Something very sad or traumatic can happen to you just once to bring about that feeling of despair.”
In light of recent events, Munn pleaded with her readers, “Please listen to me – from someone who is telling you that she’s been where you are – when I say that SUICIDE IS NOT THE RIGHT CHOICE.” She also listed suicide helpline numbers, adding, “Please don’t hesitate to call for you or someone you think needs help. A phone call could change everything. Even if you think you don’t want to get involved or don’t want your friend to be mad at you if you’re the one suffering and don’t want to be talked out of it or feel insecure about asking for help. Those are temporary consequences. With suicide, there are no do-overs. Please try every single option you can before making a choice that cannot be undone.”
While many recent online posts have included the suicide helpline numbers, you may also recall that the rapper Logic had a hit with the anti-suicide song 1-800-274-8255, which is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Here’s hoping most people will never have to call, but help is certainly there 24/7 if it’s needed.