I could never relate to those celebrities who would disclose aΒ βsilent struggleβ with a mood disorder while maintaining a perfectly curated public image. Iβm not diminishing their issues and Iβm sure those people dealt with a lot of pain and hardships too. But for some of us, it sent the message that we wouldnβt be respected or taken seriously if we couldnβt handle our mental illness quietly and withΒ βdignityβ. Carrie Fisher showed me that it didnβt always have to be that way and that even people who areΒ βmessyβ, people who have publicized overdoses and manic episodes, people who are brash and confrontational, can have full rich lives and good careers. I will never forget the lessons that she gave us.