Big Bang Theory Star Mayim Bialik Reveals Depression Battle And Message To Her Younger Self
updated on May 11, 2018
Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik has revealed her battle with depression, and urges more people to tackle their own issues
The actress who plays neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler opened up as part of the #MyYoungerSelf campaign from the Child Mind Institute.
Both Mayim and her comedy alter ego Amy possess PhDs in Neuroscience and Neurobiology respectively.
By taking part in the campaign, Mayim reflected on what she would have told her younger self after taking years to find the help she needed.
She said: “I think what I would have liked to tell my younger self about my mental health is that there are answers.
“For me, some of those answers I had to wait years to find and I needed to get different help, which ended up being really the right kind of help.
“But I had this notion when I was younger that if something didn't work once, or if a therapist didn't work, or if a medication didn't work, that nothing would ever work.”
Mayim went on to reveal that she wished her ‘younger self’ knew support for her mental health issues would work, even if it was more difficult to find.
“I had this notion when I was younger that if something didn't work once, that nothing would ever work. And I wish I could have told my younger self that something will work.” - @MissMayim, talking to her younger self about depression. https://t.co/ugCvpz5Fo9 #MyYoungerSelf pic.twitter.com/yTyLbHW7Ch
— Child Mind Institute (@ChildMindDotOrg) May 10, 2018
She said: “I wish I could have told my younger self that something will work — it's just going to take sometimes more research, sometimes more referrals, and really figuring things out like your life depends on it, because for me it did.”
Child Mind Institute's campaign, set up as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, has seen names including actor James Van Der Beek talking about having dyslexia, swimming great Michael Phelps discussing his ADHD, and how Mind president Stephen Fry took on his bipolar disorder.
It follows on from Denise Welch revealing to Happiful a letter written to her younger self.
The Geordie actress reflected on a journey which first saw her self-medicate her illness using both drink and drugs.
Denise’s clinical depression first manifested itself 29 years ago, following the birth of her eldest son, Matty Healy, lead singer of The 1975. The former Coronation Street star claimed depression “robbed her of the ability to love”.
Denise wrote: “I wish I could prevent the depression that will descend after childbirth. But you must realise that this is an illness like any other. Be as kind to yourself as possible. Take time off work – they’ll survive without you.”
“Don’t self medicate. It will take you down a very long, dark road and it’s very hard to find your way home.”
She continued: “Your ‘unwelcome visitor’ will continue to make uninvited calls, but he will always leave and your life in between will be happy, fulfilling, rewarding and most of all, full of love.”
If you are worried about depression, and need to talk to somebody in a safe and confidential environment, visit Counselling Directory to find support.
