Kevin Smith on Mental Health

TRIGGER WARNING: This post and accompanying video discusses childhood sexual abuse.

I'm not someone who really has "personal heroes", it's not a concept I'm very comfortable with. And I don't typically write about celebrities. However, I do have folks I identify with, and Kevin Smith is among that number. In fact, for a lot of reasons, he kind of tops the list for me.

Recently, Kevin revealed that he'd been struggling for a long time with his mental health, and eventually checked himself into a facility where he could get the help he needed. He went to People Magazine to share his story in the hopes that he might be able to help other folks who've been struggling, and I can confidently say that after watching this video, I see more of myself in Kevin than I ever have before. My heart aches for the trauma he's had to endure, because I know how it feels. I've had VERY similar struggles (sexual abuse aside). I'm glad he's getting help, and with this video he's opened my eyes to just how much I need to be paying better attention to my own mental health. We all should be.

So this is me paying it forward a little, hopefully it opens your eyes as much as it's opened mine, but if it does, know that I am so sorry you've suffered; I see you, and I'm here if you need to talk.