Whitney Thore Opened Up About Her Mental Health

In honor of World Mental Health Day, a time set aside to spread mental health awareness and education, Whitney Thore opened up about her own struggles.

In a personal post on Instagram, the My Big Fat Fabulous Life star reflected on being diagnosed with depression at 18 years old, as well as wrestling with anorexia, bulimia and anxiety.

“Hey y’all. It’s #worldmentalhealthday and I just want to remind you that if you’re struggling, you’re not alone,” Whitney said. “I was diagnosed with depression at 18 and have been dealing with it for more than 20 years. I’ve also been diagnosed with atypical anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and generalized anxiety disorder. 2020 has been chaotic, terrifying, divisive, and disheartening. Even the most positive people with no history of mental health issues have probably felt hopeless, helpless, and like things are bleak. If you feel like this, again, you are NOT ALONE. If you’ve been comparing your life to people on social media, wondering why you can’t get it the fuck together, let me remind you: social media IS NOT REAL.”

While acknowledging the unprecedented difficulties that many have faced in 2020 due to COVID-19, quarantine orders and more, Whitney also mentioned the added challenges she has faced with relationships. Earlier this year, Thore split from her former fiancé after learning that he was expecting a child with someone else.

“I try to be as authentic as possible here, but there would be no way for me share the profound personal loss I’ve experienced this year, as well as the stress, isolation, and daily ups and downs I’ve experienced going through this year like all the rest of you,” she said. “I have spent so many days dealing with depression and anxiety. This has been the hardest period of my life in terms of my mental health that I can remember.”

Coupled with her raw honesty were a few tricks Whitney said have been helping her get through each day.

“💊 medication: I struggle with taking my medication when I need it most, so I make it a priority to sort out my meds, get prescriptions refilled on time, and not let one missed day turn into a week.

“🗣 therapy: I got back into weekly therapy this year after a 1.5 year break and it has helped tremendously.

“📱connection: I struggle with self-isolating in a non-pandemic world, so this coupled with forced isolation has been a disaster for me. I try to pick up my phone and call home as much as possible,” she said.

The post encouraged hundreds of people to share their own struggles with mental health and tips for coping. Likewise, many expressed a deep appreciation for Whitney’s transparency and expressed feeling less alone.