Claire Danes for FLARE Magazine

Yes, the cover gives me a “70s cover girl” kind of vibe. Beautiful in a wholesome sort of way. I think these might be among the best photos I’ve ever seen of her.

I take great exception and offense to the idea that Clare Danes–or anyone without “education” or “background” (whatever you mean by those things)–is in no position to advocate for the mentally ill. 

After a suicide attempt and years of depression, I safely emerged from the cloud healthier than I could have imagined. During those painful years, I encountered countless individuals troubled by mental illness. I myself was treated with neuroleptics even though my own illness was not considered to be a psychosis. The side effects became as impossibly difficult as the depression itself, and I am amazed that I am here to tell people of my experience. 

Now, I am a successful video game critic, and I have used my platform to speak about the subject when necessary. Many family members and friends were there to support me when I needed it, and some have shared their experiences with others in efforts to educate and bring comfort. Who would anyone be to tell my friends, my acquaintances, and my loved ones that they are not in a position to advocate? I do not know how much personal experience Clare Danes has with mental illness. But chances are, she has been affected in some way, like most of us have.

*Everyone* is in a position to advocate for the mentally ill. You, and me, and everyone reading this message is in that position. When you share your stories of your depression, or of your experiences with antidepressants, or how you coped with a loved one’s illness, or how you regret the way you behaved towards someone in need, or how you wished you had seen the signs of illness in a coworker, or of an experience with a poor psychiatrist, or what have you–you become an advocate. And you don’t need a special “background” or “education.”

In other words, Clare *is* in a position to advocate for the mentally ill–as am I, and as are you, and as is anyone who brings something to a topic that needs discussion. If you wish that Clare Danes would stick to telling us what pop culture tells us, well–I cannot tell you how offensive and insulting I find that. 

Be an advocate, Clare. Let’s all be advocates. I am not willing to let our “pop-culture encounters” be our primary form of education.