Wentworth Miller Responds to Fat-Shaming Meme by Opening Up on His Battle with Depression and Suicide

Actor Wentworth Miller took to Facebook to open up about his struggles with depression and suicide after a fat-shaming meme of himself hit the web.

The LAD Bible had posted a side-by-side of Wentworth, one shirtless photo from his show “Prison Break” and another from after the series ended, showing him with longer hair and a fuller frame.

He wrote on Facebook, "Today I found myself the subject of an Internet meme. Not for the first time. This one, however, stands out from the rest," he wrote in the lengthy post. "In 2010, semi-retired from acting, I was keeping a low-profile for a number of reasons. First and foremost, I was suicidal.”

Miller revealed he tried everything to overcome his depression. "I was looking everywhere for relief/comfort/distraction. And I turned to food. It could have been anything. Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. But eating became the one thing I could look forward to. Count on to get me through. And I put on weight. Big f*cking deal."

At the “lowest point” in his life, the 43-year-old was snapped during a hike with the friend, which was published in a magazine. He said about the photos, "Now, when I see that image of me in my red t-shirt, a rare smile on my face, I am reminded of my struggle. My endurance and my perseverance in the face of all kinds of demons. Some within. Some without. Like a dandelion up through the pavement, I persist."

Miller also shared how he felt after he saw the meme online. He said, "The first time I saw this meme pop up in my social media feed, I have to admit, it hurt to breathe. But as with everything in life, I get to assign meaning. And the meaning I assign to this/my image is Strength. Healing. Forgiveness. Of myself and others.”

Wentworth closed the post by listing a few organizations that help those struggling with suicide and depression. He said, "Reach out. Text. Send an email. Pick up the phone. Someone cares. They're waiting to hear from you.”