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Wentworth on Facebook: 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 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

www.afsp.org www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org www.activeminds.org www.thetrevorproject.org www.iasp.info

“Adult life is already so goddamn weird I didn’t think thatI would have to deal with this too,” Stiles sighed as he gently picked up thebaby that was sitting in the middle of his bed.

An hour ago, Derek stopped by, handing Stiles a baby andtelling him he’d be back in a few hours before practically sprinting out thedoor.  

“So Lily, how’s it going?” Stiles asked.

She babbled back at him, smacking her chubby hands againsthis face.

“I feel you kiddo, Derek just handed you to me and left. Areyou his kid or just some random baby? We’ll never know,” he exaggerated, makingfaces at her to keep her entertained.

Stiles wasn’t completely incompetent but he’s never been incharge of a one-year old before. Thankfully the afternoon went by without ahitch and Derek was letting himself back into Stiles’ house.

“Derek, I don’t want to assume but you didn’t steal thisbaby did you? Because yesterday we went out on a date and watched a movie andhad a great meal and I’m almost 100% sure that there was no tiny human with usso where did she come from?”