Actress and daughter of film director and cinematographer Tony Kaye, Betty Kaye is heading up #MentalMovement in New York as she works alongside us to battle against the stigma attached to Mental Illness in the US.
Kaye, who played a troubled teen named Meredith in the movie Detachment; a film following the lives of several high school teachers, administrators and students through the eyes of a substitute teacher played by Adrien Brody, has long battled with mental illness herself and wants to re-address perceptions of such in her home town of New York.
With 35% of #MentalMovement readers residing in the US alone, it’s an important step forward for #MentalMovement to have Betty on board.
Betty Kaye “I have depression and anxiety. There. I said it. It’s in writing. You’re reading it. It’s out there.
I have depression and anxiety. This one was less painful to type. I’m probably going to regret this later, though.
I have depression and anxiety. Why am I repeating this? What’s so important about this? Why would they care? They won’t care! No one will fucking care.
I have depression and anxiety. No. Someone out there will care. Someone out there will be reading this during a dark moment. They’ll read this and think, “Me, too.”
I HAVE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY. Gosh, I really hope this helps someone.
I have depression and anxiety. I do not want it to scare me anymore. I do not want it to cripple my personality. I do not want it to be an obstacle in my life anymore.
I’ve been in two minds about writing this piece. I tried writing many things before, delicately gliding around the subject of mental health. We’re in an age of bombardment from social media to be absolutely perfect, body and mind. The media promotes a small waist with flawless contouring paired with a sassy, independent vibe. I would try to make myself seem more appealing, only uploading photos that were deemed “cool” and “hip”. We live in an age when mentioning mental health issues makes you look suspicious or seem extremely disabled. I am very vocal amongst my friends when talking about this subject. They all know I suffer from crippling panic attacks and drowning depression. They’ve seen me go through mood swings or throwing up or shaking so badly my joints and back hurt too much I cried. They’ve supported me when life decided to chuck boulders instead of sticks and stones. I am humbled by that. I am grateful for that.
I’ve just had to remind myself that deleting this piece is not a wise idea. Deleting this piece will not help anyone, not even myself. I feel guilty right now.
I have depression and anxiety. I am not alone. You are not alone, either. We’re in the same boat. Come take shelter with me from the storm. I can’t do this alone. Neither can you. So lets do it together.
I have depression and anxiety. It is a fraction of who I am. It does not define me. It does not make me less of a person. I have depression and anxiety. That’s ok.”
SUICIDE HOTLINE: 1-800-273-8255
TRANS HOTLINE: (877) 565-8860
GLBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE: 1-800-246-7743
GLBT NATIONAL HOTLINE: 1-888-843-4564
SAGE LGBT ELDER HOTLINE: 1-888-234-7243
For a full list of Hotlines in the US, please see our I Need Help Section here.
2 comments
To Betty — I care.
About the cause, but — more specifically — about you. Not just bc I know you, but bc it takes bravery and honesty to do what you’re doing. Be well.
You know I worked in MH for several years as an advocate….for OUR rights. I too have severe depression and overwhelming anxiety at times. They are just that illnesses….no different than others. Less acceptable for sure…So proud to be able to see you stand up and say it out loud. There is no shame….. Mom Day