Former Bachelorette Hannah Brown Speaks Out on World Mental Health Day
The 2019 Bachelorette, Hannah Brown, opens up about her struggles with mental health on World Mental Health Day.
On October 10, Brown wrote a powerful caption on an Instagram post where she shared her personal battles with anxiety and depression.
As someone who is often perceived as a very happy and confident person, Brown shared how many of her feelings and emotions were internalized as she hid behind her smile.
In her caption, she shares “‘Are you happy Hannah?’ I will never forget that seemingly simple question that came with a heavy answer at an annual doctor’s appointment going into my junior year of college. I’m the girl that is always wearing a smile! How dare he ask?! But oh, thank God he did.”
The Alabama native retells this moment in her life and showcases the importance it had on her.
“I couldn’t keep up the act anymore,” she recalls. “For years, I silently struggled internally as I was externally championed as the one who always seemed happy. I honestly think that day in the doctor’s office was the first time someone asked me if I was indeed, happy.”
Brown emphasizes the importance of acknowledging difficult emotions, how not being okay is okay, and how admiring to yourself that you are experiencing these feelings is a huge first step in healing and receiving support.
“Be gentle with yourself,” she reminds her followers. “You matter. You are worthy of being able to answer the ‘are you happy?’ question and to say yes, regardless of the circumstances that would usually take your mind and soul captive. You got this. We’ve got this. You aren’t alone.”
Her friends and fans gave her outpouring love and support in response to her meaningful post.
Using your voice to speak up on mental health issues is tough, but one fan tweeted how Brown speaking on her mental health is a great example for others who are struggling.
I’m sure she has sat down with family and had the needed discussions at this point. I’m happy that she found a voice to speak up which definitely will help others find their voice too. A good example.
— L A V A D A M I C H E L L E (@nown4myduality1) October 12, 2020
It is extremely powerful for celebrities like Brown to be open about their internal struggles because it shows how we never know what another person may be going through, and it reminds us that we are not alone.
If you or someone you know needs help with their mental health, visit this site for helpful resources.
Brown has also recently started posting videos up on her Youtube channel, which you can see here.
