As the culture expert on the hit Netflix series Queer Eye, Brown is no stranger to changing people’s lives. Now he’s sharing his own story to help others.
In a powerful Instagram video, Brown, 37, revealed he was “in a very dark place” in 2006 and “felt like life could not get any better.”
“[I felt like] everything that was happening to me was never going to change, and I tried to take my own life,” he said, on the six-year anniversary of his suicide attempt.
Brown added that if his two friends hadn’t found him and called an ambulance, he “probably would not be here today.”
Talking to his 1.6 million followers, Brown shared a message of hope. “I know so many of us suffer from mental health issues and we just don’t know where to turn and every day it seems darker and darker. But I want you to know that things do get better. If you get help and you do the work daily, your life can change,” he said. “I’m living proof of that.”
As well as urging people to seek help, he encouraged us all to support others, saying, “If you know someone in your life that’s going through it, reach out to them. You could be their support."
Brown said he was overwhelmed at the positive response he's had to the post. “As a mental health professional I believe we all need to make our mental health a priority. There is a better day around the corner with support.”
Preach it.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline for 24/7 support on 13 11 14 or visit the website at lifeline.org.au. If it’s an emergency, call 000.
