Celebrating women
Woman & home looks at the inspiring women who have spoken out about their struggles and those who advocate for change
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
For years the stigma attached to mental illness meant that many had to suffer in silence. While there is still work to be done, today the subject is becoming less of a taboo, thanks to women like Dame Emma Thompson, Shirley Ballas and Dame Kelly Holmes, who are opening up conversations surrounding their mental health.
Emma Thompson
At times, double Academy Award-winner Emma has been plagued by poor mental health and depression. The 64-year-old has revealed that she used acting to escape ‘the voices in my head’. She explained, ‘[it’s] the constant “must do better”, “must try harder” plus “you’re too fat and not really a very good mother”, that punitive conscience is part of my psychiatric problem.’ Emma has also had to cope with her daughter Gaia’s eating disorder during her teenage years. Since then, both Emma and Gaia, 23, have campaigned and raised money for the UK eating disorder charity Beat.
Gillian Anderson
In 2017, actor Gillian revealed that she’d been seeing a therapist since the age of 14. ‘There were times when it [her mental health] was really bad. There have been times in my life where I haven’t wanted to leave the house.’ Gillian, 55, has become an advocate for better mental health and released a self-help book, We: AManifesto For Women Everywhere, with friend and journalist Jennifer Nadel, to help others. She urged fans, ‘If you’re struggling, it’s OK to get help. It is not a sign of weakness. It’s actually a sign of strength… By being able to get in the zone of real honesty about what’s going on, [that] is one of the most healing things we can do.’
Fearne Cotton
For years, broadcaster-turned-wellness guru Fearne has spoken openly about her own mental health in an attempt to help others. In 2017, the same year that she launched her wellbeing podcast and app Happy Place, Fearne was announced as an ambassador for the charity Mind. Discussing her role, the 42-year-old said, ‘I would like to try and help stop the subject of depression being such a taboo.’ Fearne continued, ‘It was one of the most difficult things that I have ever faced in my life. I hope that by speaking out about the challenges I faced, it might just help others going through similar experiences.’
Venus Williams
Grand Slam champion Venus credits looking after her mental health for her long and successful career in tennis. The 43-year-old, who sought a therapist to help her come to t
