Prison Break actor Miller says he was suicidal in an empowering response to fat-shaming post

Former Prison Break actor Wentworth Miller has penned an empowering response after he came across a fat-shaming internet meme.

The side-by-side shot of the star compared his early days on Prison Break to a paparazzi shot taken of him in 2010.

"When you break out of prison and find out about McDonald's monopoly..." the caption read on the now deleted post.

Re-posting the hurtful meme, he shared: "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."

He went on to candidly recall his past struggles, revealing he has suffered from depression ever since he was a child.

"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."

The 43-year-old continued: "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.”

Miller added that his mum ended up seeing the pictures and became concerned about his well being.

"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 https://cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/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."

But, despite the image initially leaving him breathless, it now gives him strength.

"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.

FilmMagic Wentworth Miller during "Prison Break" Launch Party - Arrivals at Hangar 8 - Santa Monica Airport in Santa Monica, California, United States

Wentworth Miller during "Prison Break" Launch Party - Arrivals at Hangar 8 - Santa Monica Airport in Santa Monica, California, United States

"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.”

He ended his post by encouraging others to speak out and seek help if they experience similar feelings.

"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. Much love. - W.M. ?#‎koalas ?#‎inneractivist ?#‎prisonbroken," he shared.