Actress Debra Messing shared her personal story of 'crippling depression' on Twitter using #MyStory, and people are responding with their own

Myelle Lansat

Jun 9, 2018, 02:17 IST

Actress Debra Messing shared her personal story of 'crippling depression' on Twitter using #MyStory, and people are responding with their own

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Debra Messing.

Actress Debra Messing took to Twitter to share her experience with mental health issues after Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain died by suicide this week.
Messing invited users to tweet their own experiences with depression and anxiety using the hashtag #MyStory.
People have shared stories of PTSD, depression, and panic disorder.

After Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain died by suicide this week, actress Debra Messing took to Twitter on Friday to share her own experience with mental health issues.

She prompted her followers to do the same, using the hashtag #MyStory.

"When I was in the midst of crippling depression 15 years ago no one knew- except my husband and my theraphist [sic]," Messing began. "I was working hard making people laugh, doing photo shoots, constantly moving. I disappeared from friends & family. I'd say 'Sorry I've been MIA, working non-stop.'"

She continued:

"When they heard the sadness in my voice I'd say 'Oh I'm just exhausted.' Thankfully I could afford a theraphist [sic] who helped@me out of that abyss. We MUST make mental health services available to every American. It can literally mean the difference between life and death. #mystory"

Within minutes, users took to the social platform to share their own stories with mental health.

They shared stories of PTSD, "crippling depression," and panic disorder. "I will have to tend to this relationship with depression and anxiety for the rest of my life," tweeted musician Sara Bareilles.

"Everyone thought I was fine, because I was funny and charming online, but I was drowning," wrote NHL correspondent Dave Hogg.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life, get help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress, as well as best practices for professionals and resources to aid in prevention and crisis situations.

When I was in the midst of crippling depression 15 years ago no one knew- except my husband and my theraphist. I was working hard making people laugh, doing photo shoots, constantly moving. I disappeared from friends & family. I'd say "Sorry I've been MIA, working non-stop."
- Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) June 8, 2018

When they heard the sadness in my voice I'd say "Oh I'm just exhausted." Thankfully I could afford a theraphist who helped@me out of that abyss. We MUST make mental health services available to every American. It can literally mean the difference between life and death. #mystory
- Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) June 8, 2018

The loss of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain this week are harrowing reminders of my own struggle with anxiety and depression. The topic of suicide hits close to home. #MyStory
- Steven Aquino (@steven_aquino) June 8, 2018

I will have to tend to this relationship with depression and anxiety for the rest of my life. I am gutted to see people take their own lives because it means they feel alone and hopeless. But things can change. You are not alone. Hope is mercurial too. Keep seeking it. #mystory
- Sara Bareilles (@SaraBareilles) June 8, 2018

I struggled with depression, asked for help . Lived on antidepressants for two years, not too long ago. Admitting this to the world is hard. May #MyStory give you hope and strength ��
- Selenis Leyva (@selenis_leyva) June 8, 2018

I was single, living alone and fighting depression and severe anxiety with no help. Everyone thought I was fine, because I was funny and charming online, but I was drowning. My mom, a counselor, figured it out and got me into therapy. It is still a fight. #mystory
- Dave Hogg (@stareagle) June 8, 2018

I also would have been dead without my therapist. Went through a very dark time a few years ago. When you're in it, you feel isolated, like you are the only one who feels this way. You're not. A great therapist is worth more than any amount of money. Reach out. #mystory
- tara strong (@tarastrong) June 8, 2018

#MyStory After trauma & PTSD connected to the death of my son, I have been to the brink many times. Those who suffer don't want to die. They want pain to end. At pain's peak, be someone's light. Help & kindness supports life. Life is beautiful & we can help the hurting see that.
- Reed Cowan (@reedNews3LV) June 8, 2018

I've struggled with depression since childhood. The worst hit my senior year in college when I basically ceased to function. Any social interaction was excruciating, the blackness pervasive. I got help and medication and came through it. But it lurks at the edges. #MyStory
- Ben White (@morningmoneyben) June 8, 2018

Sever depression, debilitating panic disorder,became agoraphobia, tons of meds- wanted to give me shock therapy- nothing helped until I dealt with gut health. so deeply ill. Meds r necessary at times but gut health is a HUGE piece of puzzle pls get help #MYSTORY share !
- Jennifer Esposito (@JennifersWayJE) June 8, 2018