Mental Health Matters
On Battling Depression and Low Self-Esteem
“One of the scariest moments in life, is when you come to the realization that the only person that can save you is yourself.”
“I wish that people could understand that the brain is the most important organ in your body. Just because you can’t see it like you could see a broken bone doesn’t mean it’s not as detrimental and devastating to a family or an individual.”
“One of the reasons I was so unhappy for years was because I never embraced my emotions and I was trying to stay in control. In treatment, all of the negative things I did were stripped away and I had to start processing my feelings.”
“If you are going through that dark period, go to your family and closest friends. Don’t put yourself in danger. It’s very crucial that you get your feelings out – but don’t ever inflict harm on your own body because your body is so sacred. I wish I could tell every young girl with an eating disorder, or who has harmed herself in any way, that she’s worthy of life and that her life has meaning. You can overcome and get through anything.”
On Growing Up and Finding Happiness
“I don’t let anyone’s insecurities, emotions, or opinions bother me. I know that if I am happy, that’s all that matters to me. And it’s okay to be selfish like that sometimes, when it comes to your well-being. Do what makes you happy, and don’t care what others think.”
“I used to think that confidence came from what other people thought about me, and boys and everything else. But now I realize that confidence comes from what I feel about myself, and reassuring myself that I can do whatever I want and be whoever I want.”
“When I give back, I don’t question my self-worth. I know that if my career were to fall apart tomorrow – even if I were to never have money or fame again – I’d still have value in my soul, because I know that I can have an effect on someone else’s life.”
“If you don’t love yourself for your flaws and imperfections, you can’t expect anyone else to either. We are each made differently, so find whatever flaw or imperfection you have and start embracing it because it’s part of you. Be proud of your originality. There’s no one else in the world that’s like you.”
On Body Positivity and Feeling Beautiful
“I keep hearing this ‘thigh gap’ thing and when you hear it so many times it starts to get embedded into your head. I think it’s important that somebody says, ‘Hey if you don’t have this, it doesn’t mean that you’re not beautiful and it doesn’t mean that you don’t have a beautiful body.’ I don’t naturally have one, but I feel really confident in my shape and I’ve worked on it and gotten to a really healthy place. I’ve come really far and I’m proud of the body that I’m in today – and I just want women to feel that way as well.”
“I’d rather be strong and happy than be what society thinks is thin and perfect and be miserable.”
“We all have problem areas. I’m always going to have thick thighs. I can’t change that, and obsessing over it will only make me miserable. Learning to be grateful for our bodies and taking care of them are the best ways for us to empower ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually.”
“There needs to be more variety on television so young girls growing up don’t feel pressured to look one specific way. Tall, thin, curvy, short, whatever you are, you are beautiful.”
On Achieving Goals and Not Giving Up
“You can turn your life around. You can go through hell and back. It is possible. Never underestimate yourself. I believe in you.”
“What I’ve really been proud of to witness all over the world is women using their voices and speaking up about equality – and just trying to make a difference. . . . I think it’s important that women find their confidence and not let anything stop them.”
“There’s gonna be haters, but don’t let them affect you. Don’t let them take away a part of you.”
“No matter who you are where you’ve come from, what you’ve been through . . . You can make a difference in this world.”
“Life is precious and it’s what you do with it that keeps you alive on the inside. It’s not enough just to live and take that gift for granted. Each one of us has fears, but the more we work to overcome them, the more we are able to enjoy our lives.”
On Recovery and Staying Strong
“Be patient, because real change takes time. I used to Google things like ‘How to lose weight in a week,’ but the world just doesn’t work that way. If you want to lose weight, you’ve got to work for it. If you want to get stronger, you’ve got to work for it. Any other way isn’t going to be healthy, and it’s not going to last.”
“I don’t think there’s going to be a day when I don’t think about food or my body, but I’m living with it, and I wish I could tell young girls to find their safe place and stay with it.”
“It’s going to be okay. No matter how hard your rock bottom is, you can rise above it and you can come back.”
“I know my past will always be a part of me, but I don’t want it to define me. . . . I’m excited to live in the present and looking forward to the future.”
“Stay strong, be brave, love hard and true, and you will have nothing to lose.”