The Internet is rampant with memes, making some unknown people instant sensations, or using celebrities like Leonardo Di Caprio and John Travolta to convey a sentiment or emotion. More often than not, the memes are harmless and often done in good humour, garnering the acceptance of the people they’re based on. But sometimes, one odd meme does go astray and gives birth to a misleading and negative connotation. Apart from ‘Bad Luck Brian’, Hollywood’s Wentworth Miller this time has been the subject of a tactless joke, a joke that is nothing short of cyber-bullying.

The Prison Break star took to his Facebook account on Monday to draft an open and heartfelt response to the insensitive meme, which has since been taken down by the original account that posted it – The Lad Bible. He speaks openly and eloquently of his personal struggle with depression and how it led to suicidal tendencies.

Photo:
Photo: facebook.com/wentworthmilleractorwriter
An excerpt from his post:

“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.

(You can read the full post here.)

It’s not the first time Wentworth has confessed of his suicidal tendencies. He revealed his troubled past in 2013 at a Human Rights Campaign Dinner and his struggle to keeping up with the bullying and his personal demons in keeping his sexual identity a secret. He was only 15 at that time.

In Singapore, between 2010 and 2014, there was an average of about 400 suicides and 1,000 cases of attempted suicide each year, and are usually attributed to depressive tendencies. While we can’t prescribe drugs, we can certainly list some natural mood elevators that you can follow every day on your journey to happiness:

  1. Develop a routine

Start small by creating a schedule and applying them routinely, including waking up at the same time. This helps develop a disciplined rhythm.

  1. Set goals

Depression can make us weary of our accomplishments. Set goals as doable, something that you can succeed at. For instance, keeping your room clean. It’ll not only make it mess free, but declutter your mind too.

  1. Get active

Exercising, no matter how little, can boost the production of endorphins, or “happy hormones”.

  1. Sleep well

Lack of sleep not only leads to loss in concentration but can worsen depressive thoughts. Clock in at least seven hours of sleep every night.

  1. Step outside and socialise

While it’s an easier option to curl up and binge watch on shows in seclusion, socialising is necessary. It not only takes your mind off negative thoughts, but allows you to have fun as interaction releases endorphins too. Plus sharing how you feel with an understanding friend could help you heal from your depressive thoughts.

If you’re still suffering from depression and need someone to talk to, contact the Samaritans of Singapore today. Call their 24-hour hotline at 1800 221 4444.

For more information on diagnosing kids’ depressive symptoms, you can read our article on 8 Signs Your Child Is Depressed.