Wentworth Miller penned an essay on mental health in response to a body-shaming meme he discovered on Facebook. Best known for his role as Michael Scofield in “Prison Break,” the 43-year-old posted a screen-grab of the meme showing his ripped frame alongside a heavier image. “When you break out of prison and find out about McDonald’s monopoly,” read the caption.
While most sharing the meme thought it was all fun and games, according to the British-born actor, the post reminded him of a particularly difficult period in his personal life when he was depressed and suicidal. He wrote: “Today I found myself the subject of an Internet meme. Not for the first time. This one, however, stands out from the rest. In 2010, semi-retired from acting, I was keeping a low-profile for a number of reasons.”
He went on to reveal that he was suicidal. “First and foremost, I was suicidal,” he explained. “This is a subject I’ve since written about, spoken abut, shared about. But at the time I suffered in silence. As so many do. The extent of my struggle known to very, very few.
“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. 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 favorite meal and a new episode of ‘TOP CHEF.’ Sometimes that was enough. Had to be. And I put on weight. Big f–king 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. My mother has one of those ‘friends’ who’s always the first to bring you bad news. They clipped one of these articles from a popular national magazine and mailed it to her. She called me, concerned. 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. Like a dandelion up through the pavement, I persist. Anyway. Still. Despite.”
He closed the letter by urging those who are struggling with a similar dark place, to reach out for help. “The first time I saw this meme pop up in my social media feed, I have to admit, it hurt to breathe. But as with everything in life, I get to assign meaning. And the meaning I assign to this/my image is Strength. Healing. Forgiveness. Of myself and others. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reach out. Text. Send an email. Pick up the phone. Someone cares. They’re waiting to hear from you. Much love. – W.M. #koalas #inneractivist #prisonbroken.”
What are your thoughts on Miller’s humble response to the eye-opening social media meme targeting his weight? Sound off in the comment section below.
