J.K. Rowling
The “Harry Potter” creator has openly discussed her past struggles with depression.

“I have never been remotely ashamed of having been depressed. Never. What’s to be ashamed of? I went through a really rough time and I am quite proud that I got out of that.”

J.K. Rowling is one of many celebrities that have struggled with mental illness and have sought help. Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, as Rowling states above. It is a in the biology of the brain and can be treated through rehabilitation, therapy, medications, and several other things.

“Rowling said in the interview that she sought help from doctors and spent nine months receiving cognitive behavioral therapy, according to Amini.”

There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking help. Depression and others in the same category are illnesses, not malfunctions in one’s behavior, and need more than a pat on the back as treatment. There are so many more options than just therapy and counseling.

“Rowling has previously said she suffered depression before her Harry Potter series brought her international success. She has acknowledged that characters featured in the series called Dementors were inspired by her illness.”

Rowling channeled her emotions into her work and expanded on them to express her pain. Drawing, painting, writing, creating music, these are all ways to express the pain that comes from mental illness. By expressing emotions, you allow yourself to process them whether that is through a form of art or a conversation with another person; it’s all about what is going to help you the most. Don’t shame people for their mental illnesses, we all struggle in different ways and it’s time to start accepting that everyone is different but it doesn’t mean that we should be discriminated against. End the stigma of mental illness being a weakness or a disappointment.