In a recent podcast episode, Candace Cameron Bure, best known for her role on Full House, bravely shared her struggle with mental health. She spoke honestly about the feelings of shame and loneliness that often accompany depression, and how difficult it can be to ask for help.
Candace tearfully expressed, “[Depression] is such a lonely place and it’s very difficult to speak out about it, even to your most trusted people. It’s hard to admit it because I feel like I should be strong enough to overcome it, and then it just feels weak. It just feels so weak. And the perception of that.”
As she continued, Candace discussed how the perception of mental health and depression by others can contribute to feelings of shame. “There are a lot of people who feel that it’s weak and will verbalize that, so then it’s just immediate shame that you’re like, ‘Oh, well if I struggle with this then I’m a weak person.’”
Despite her efforts to pull herself out of the darkness, Candace acknowledged that she couldn’t do it alone and that she needed to ask for help. “So many times when I’m like, ‘I don’t want to feel this way.’ I can try with all my might to get out of this, and I can’t pull myself out of the pit. I can’t pull myself out by myself. But it’s hard to extend the arm and go, ‘Help me.’”
After sharing this emotional clip on Instagram, Candace urged her followers who may be experiencing similar thoughts and feelings to know that they are not alone. She quoted Psalm 34:17-18, which says, “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Many people in the comments section of her post expressed gratitude for her honesty and bravery in speaking out about her experiences with depression. One commenter wrote, “Such an important thing to admit out loud. Thank you. Love your bravery to speak truth.” Another added, “There is nothing stronger than someone who has the bravery to talk about this.”
It’s important for everyone to understand that reaching out and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Candace Cameron Bure’s vulnerability and openness about her battle with depression serve as a reminder that no one has to face these struggles alone.