Halle Berry is a celebrated actress known for her roles in numerous Hollywood films. However, before she became a household name, Berry struggled with mental health issues that nearly led her to take her own life.
In her early twenties, Berry was living in New York City and trying to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry. During this time, she began to experience depression and low self-esteem, which she says was compounded by the fact that she felt she did not fit in with the predominantly white entertainment industry.
At one point, Berry’s mental health struggles became so severe that she attempted suicide. In a candid interview with People magazine in 2007, Berry opened up about the experience, saying, “I was sitting in my car, and I knew the gas was coming when I had an image of my mother finding me.”
Thankfully, Berry was able to seek help and get the support she needed to overcome her struggles. She says that therapy and medication played a key role in her recovery, as did her faith. “I’ve been in therapy forever,” Berry said in the same People interview. “The biggest lesson is that life is not supposed to be easy. You’re going to have to work really hard, and there’s going to be some pain involved, but you have to keep pushing.”
Today, Berry is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has used her platform as a celebrity to raise awareness about the importance of seeking help and support for mental health issues. In 2004, she even donated $500,000 to the Jenesse Center, a domestic violence shelter in Los Angeles that also provides services for victims of mental health issues.
Berry’s story is a powerful reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of their background or success in life. However, it is also a testament to the fact that recovery is possible and that seeking help is a vital step in overcoming these struggles.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained crisis counselor.