Fat-Shaming is not new to us, but when a celebrity gets fat-shamed the whole world react. Take for example Prison Break actor, Wentworth Miller. He posted his sentiments on his Facebook account. He said he was depressed and he turned to food for comfort. He obviously gained some weight. Paparazzi took advantage and posted a meme showing his lean body side by side with his latest photograph where he obviously gained some weight. He expressed his disappointment to the people who are judging his weight when they have no idea what he has been battling with.
Miller shared the said meme in his personal Facebook account and had this lengthy caption to go with it:
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.
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 is 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.
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
According to Business Insider "over 50,000 fans have commented on the post with words of support for Miller and to thank him for his candor". Today, the post had garnered more than 800 thousand likes and more than 200 thousand shares on Facebook.
Miller did not just dwell on how offensive the post is. He also zeroed in on strength, forgiveness and healing in his post. A lot of his fans showed compassion especially those who are suffering from the same conditions.
Miller also used the same post to advocate anti-depression support groups such as the following:
www.afsp.org
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
www.activeminds.org
www.thetrevorproject.org
www.iasp.info
In the end, the fat-shaming meme had reminded Miller of his strength and his ability to survive. And at the same time, he became a role model to many. Miller became a fat-shamed-celebrity-turned-hero because of his conviction to help others who are also suffering from depression and eating disorders.
