In honor of National Suicide Prevention Week, ABC News personality Ginger Zee, 39, is opening up about her past struggles.
On Friday, Zee posted a throwback photo of herself behind a news desk. She revealed, “This photo always breaks my heart. This was during my first real job on tv at WEYI. This wide, forced smile was not long after my second suicide attempt. Of course no one at work knew. I was a master at hiding my mental health issues. Especially from myself.”
Raising awareness for National Suicide Prevention Week, Zee wrote, “I often wonder if there is anything I could go back and say to myself the morning I tried to take my own life. I don’t know if I would have been ready to hear it — I don’t know if this message will help — but I feel it is my duty to talk about it — because I was lucky. Beyond the luck, I had the support and financial ability to get the help I needed to treat my mental health issues. Not everyone has that.”
Along with discussing her own struggles, Zee stressed the importance of caring for one’s mental health. She emphasized, “Act immediately. Don’t be afraid to go to the hospital to get urgent help and they can get you to the right type of therapy or medication you may need. For parents and young folks — @childmindinstitute has some great info and support.”
The day before, Demi Lovato opened up about her post suicidal thoughts and depression. Promoting her new song “OK Not to Be OK,” she shared on Instagram, “I’ve been very vocal in raising the awareness of mental health because it is possible to see the light when you start the work on yourself. I’m living proof that you never have to give into those thoughts.”
“I’ve had many days where I’ve struggled but please let this song be an anthem to anyone who needs it right now. You can get through whatever it is you’re going through.. I’m here for you always, you are not alone and I love you 💞,” Lovato went on. “Take care of yourself, and listen to your loved ones.”
Other big names to bring awareness to National Suicide Prevention Week include Patrick Schwarzenegger, Lauren Bushnell Lane and Karamo Brown.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).