I believe people gain weight when times are stressful, because food can be one thing to look forward to.

If you are stuck at home all day and see the same people?

Food can be the one thing that is exciting.

When food becomes your MAIN source of excitement, it is easy to over-eat.

For the majority of us, dinner is probably one of the most exciting things happening during the week.

It is no surprise that someone would put on weight.

I don't view this as a character defect.

For many people this is a way of staying sane during these interesting times.

I don't view weight gain in general as a character flaw.

It can be one way of coping with things...

I just wanted to get this message out there.

Plus, 

I really want to share this.

It's about a cruel meme that went viral about Wentworth Miller (star of Prison Break) and his amazing response to it.

This is from a few years ago but it has really made an impact on me.

"Today I found myself the subject of an Internet meme.

Not for the first time.

This one, however, stands out from the rest.

In 2010, semi-retired from acting, I was keeping a low-profile for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, I was suicidal.

This is a subject I've since written about, spoken about, shared about.

But at the time I suffered in silence. As so many do. The extent of my struggle known to very, very few.

Ashamed and in pain, I considered myself damaged goods. And the voices in my head urged me down the path to self-destruction.

Not for the first time.

I've struggled with depression since childhood. It’s a battle that’s cost me time, opportunities, relationships, and a thousand sleepless nights.

In 2010, at the lowest point in my adult life, 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.

There were stretches when the highlight of my week was a favorite meal and a new episode of TOP CHEF. Sometimes that was enough. Had to be.

And I put on weight. Big f--king deal.

One day, out for a hike in Los Angeles with a friend, we crossed paths with a film crew shooting a reality show. Unbeknownst to me, paparazzi were circling. They took my picture, and the photos were published alongside images of me from another time in my career. ‘Hunk To Chunk.’ ‘Fit To Flab.’ Etc.

My mother has one of those ‘friends’ who’s always the first to bring you bad news. They clipped one of these articles from a popular national magazine and mailed it to her. She called me, concerned. In 2010, fighting for my mental health, it was the last thing I needed.

Long story short, I survived.

So do those pictures.

I'm glad.

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.

Anyway. Still. Despite.

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.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reach out. Text. Send an email. Pick up the phone. Someone cares. They're waiting to hear from you.