Everyone in the #NoStigma movement should be celebrating Haynes

If you follow pop culture and read publications like Us Weekly, Entertainment Tonight, and E! Online, you’ve probably glimpsed a headline regarding Colton Haynes speaking out on Twitter about his struggles with “crippling anxiety.” Haynes’ bravery goes beyond tabloids and should be celebrated and acknowledged by mental health advocates across the country.

Why? It’s (somewhat) common for celebrities to open up about their experiences with mental illness. It’s less common for them to speak so plainly and spontaneously. Haynes “Twitter essay” hit on the seriousness of anxiety disorders, took it to stigma, and advocated for community. He also gets points for being a man (it’s common for men to fear of stigma even more than their female counterparts, who fear it too, of course).

This is one of the most important “Twitter essays” we’ve ever seen. And everyone in the #NoStigma movement should be celebrating Haynes’ bravery and for bringing attention to the fact that 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders.

RT @upvoted: A new study may show how anxiety affects social status https://t.co/r6ykmT0zCq pic.twitter.com/PJeBNuFdQw

— Colton Haynes (@ColtonLHaynes) December 2, 2015

For those of you who are suffering with intense anxiety...ur not alone. It's been a constant struggle for me since 5th grade. It's a battle

— Colton Haynes (@ColtonLHaynes) December 2, 2015

Anxiety had put me in the hospital a countless amount of times. Whether it be fainting, hyperventilating, or seizures...I've been through it

— Colton Haynes (@ColtonLHaynes) December 2, 2015

Just know ur not alone & it affects more ppl than you would ever know. We can overcome this. We can fight thru it & will

— Colton Haynes (@ColtonLHaynes) December 2, 2015

I've quite jobs because of anxiety, flaked on social events, family gatherings, birthdays, important movie/work tests. Its a serious problem

— Colton Haynes (@ColtonLHaynes) December 2, 2015

Love those suffering. Anxiety has caused me to be extremely agoraphobic & livin in constant fear of leavin my house at times. Ur not alone.

— Colton Haynes (@ColtonLHaynes) December 2, 2015