This article is part of the Here. Now. essay series, which seeks to de-stigmatize mental health treatment, and improve accessibility to treatment and support for teens and parents in metropolitan New York.
Devon Murray, the actor who played Seamus Finnigan in the “Harry Potter” film series, opened up this week to his fans about living with depression. Because of World Mental Health Day, which was on Monday, October 10, Murray shared his experience on Twitter. Apparently, he’s been struggling with depression for the past 10 years, also stating he’s experienced suicidal thoughts.
The 27-year-old wrote on Twitter in a series of tweets:
“I’ve been battling depression in silence for ten years and only recently spoke about it and has made a huge difference. I had suicidal thoughts this year and that was the kick up the arse that I needed! Open up, talk to people. If you suspect a friend or family member is suffering in silence #ReachOut to them. Let them know you care.”
Besides his tweets being extremely brave and honest–as opening up so candidly about your struggles definitely takes courage–it also inspired many of his fans to tweet their own stories. Having a public figure like Murray open up about his depression helps de-stigmatize depression and mental health stereotypes, which is crucial–because no one should suffer alone.
I’ve been battling depression in silence for ten years & only recently spoke about it and has made a huge difference #worldmentalhealthday
— Devon Murray (@DevonMMurray) October 10, 2016
I had suicidal thoughts this year and that was the kick up the arse that I needed! Open up, talk to people #worldmentalhealthday
— Devon Murray (@DevonMMurray) October 10, 2016
Yesterday, Murray talked about his experience on the Irish radio station RTE 2 FM, revealing that he was 16 years old when he first realized he suffered from depression. It was only this past April that Murray opened up to his parents about his depression:
“I’d only ever told five people [about my depression] before I put it on Twitter the other day.”
According to the National Institute Of Mental Health, an estimated 16.1 million American adults had at least one major depressive episode in 2015–which means you definitely know someone who is dealing with depression. This means speaking out and opening up to those around you can help create and foster connections.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
This post is part of the Here.Now series, which seeks to destigmatize mental health,
and is made possible by UJA-Federation of New York and The Jewish Board.
You can find other educational mental health resources here.
Read More:
Bracing Myself Against My Son’s Severe Mental Illness
Why I Don’t Want My Children to Grow Up in a Safe Space
Orthodox Women Take On ‘Vagina Monologues’ & Make it Their Own
