Michelle Williams recently checked herself into a facility or depression and we couldn’t be more proud of her for taking the steps necessary for her to be her best self!  But, why now?  This seems to come at a time when she is on top of the world!  Michelle is recently engaged, fresh out of an amazing career with Destiny’s Child (with rumors of them having future projects coming), and just officially made Los Angeles her new home.  The Grammy award winning artist even has her own home decor business.  She seems to have everything most millennials are striving to get right?

The truth is that Mental health is very real… and unfortunately, it is a pain that is not as easily noticed as most illnesses or injuries.  It can show up when your surrounding circumstances are negative or challenging, but it can also show up when things are seemingly going quite well.  It’s a very human thing to go through and these days it is also very common.

So, why would Michelle check herself into a facility now?  Michelle’s struggle with depression isn’t new.  This has been a an ongoing challenge in her life since she was 13 years old, but recently admitted that she never learned her struggle had a name until she reached her 30s.  Watch the video below see her speak more about that.

According to Forbes Magazine and  the report just released by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) entitled Major Depression: The Impact on Overall Health, there have been steady increases in depression diagnoses from 2013 to 2016.  Out of all of the age groups, the rise of depression was highest among teens from 12 to 17 years old (increasing by 63% from 1.6 to 2.6%) followed by Millennials (ages 18 to 34), increasing by 47% from 3.0% to 4.4%.  But, in addition to that, other older age groups have also experienced substantial rises as well (increases of 26% and 23% for those 35-49 and 50-64 years in age).  So, as you can see, many people are dealing with the depression in some form.  Sadly, those numbers have only been rising.  Those numbers are also not specific to a particular age group.  What does this mean?  Well, it means that self care is important!  This means we have to be responsible of our emotional and spiritual health just as much as we stress the importance of physical health.  This starts with honesty and by paying attention to your emotional and spiritual self.

Michelle made a bold move by seeking help.  It takes strength and humility to be honest with yourself first about what you need to be healthy.  It takes even more strength to actually seek out that help and take advantage of it to better yourself.  So, we don’t shame Michelle at all for doing what she needs most.  She made a strong decision and our prayers are with her.

If you have found yourself in a similar space, we encourage you to visit our friends at @anthemofhope.  They specialize in helping people who are dealing with depression, self harm, suicide prevention and more.  Visit their website today to find Christian Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Psychologists, Social Workers and Psychiatrists near you!  www.anthemofhope.org.