WARNING: *The following article contains references to mental health*
Whitney Simmons is getting candid about her journey with mental health, and plaque psoriasis and the outpour of love from fans is pouring in.
On December 16th Simmons released a video titled 'Let's Finally Talk About It... Depression, Grief, Discharge, Marriage and Meeting Rude Creators? Q&A'
One fan wrote "I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you speaking about your mental health...I really value you providing enlightenment to a larger audience. Mental illness doesn’t make you the ‘other’. It makes you human."
To her 2 Million Followers on Youtuber, Simmons gave a hope that many need during this time of great uncertainty.
The fitness influencer explained in a recent interview with Stylist that "this year, for the first time, the gym was more detrimental to my mental health than anything else.”
In the December 16th video Simmons spoke on losing a friend who was very close to her to cancer. "a few months after quarentine I lost one of the most genuine, beautiful, amazing human beings to cancer, and then I was dealing with grief, and then in January is when my symptoms, like heavy strong symptoms of depression started kicking in." Simmons continued by speaking on how her, now fiancée, Stefan was there for her during the hardest moments especially over the last year.
Simmons, to her 3.2 million followers on instagram continuously, speaks on the importance of both physical and mental health. In a recent instagram post Simmons shared, "I am learning that this body is not a battlefield, but a home’ ☁️☁️☁️ and although so many of us are fighting mental illness everyday… an invisible war inside our minds, and we feel we’ve lost parts of ourselves along the way… you are never incomplete 🤍 we have to keep fighting." One fan responding with, "you inspire me everyday 🤍."
In another post Simmons wrote, "I’m proud of you. I’m proud of you for still being here when there was a moment in time it didn’t scare you anymore not to be. I’m proud of you for continuing to fight the invisible war that is going on in your mind. I’m proud of you for opening up and asking for help. I hope you feel proud of yourself today. Because even when it felt like there was nothing left for you, you’ve kept going. And if one things for sure… it gets better, I promise. I’m sitting here today, fighting that fight with you everyday ☁️☁️☁️" Another fan responding with, "I’m fighting the fight everyday too.. thank you for making me feel seen… I see you ❤️❤️❤️."
Simmons openness and realness with her viewers is one of the reasons why she is a true influencer. There is a relatability to Simmons, an honesty and truthfulness, and a heart made of gold.
Simmons first revealed her mental health struggle in October of 2021 recalling, "I lied to myself so many times this year telling myself “I’m fine” over and over again until the day hit where I no longer wanted to be here. Isn’t that ironic? The person who says everyday “it’s a beautiful day to be alive” no longer felt there was a reason to be alive anymore. It was the day I knew I needed to seek professional help. Mental health is so sacred and so private, I’ve been so lost in my own head this year and often felt so alone. Which is why after months of seeking professional help and working extremely hard at healing, I felt I was ready to share my story for the first time. Because you are not alone. Your story holds power, your story can bring connectivity and healing to so many others 😭."
Simmons is a fighter, and an inspiration for those who feel they do not have a voice. Simmons has designed an app, "AliveByWhitney", she is the co-founder of Toluca Swim (offering sizes xs-xxxxl) and she is on her third collection with Gymshark (after selling out her previous two). While her career speaks for itself, it is the uniqueness of Whitney herself, her story, and the heart behind the warrior that draws fans in time and time again.
We Love You Whitney 🤍
WHERE TO FIND WHITNEY:
YOU ARE NOT ALONE:
If you are suffering through mental illness please consider the following sources, and know that you are not alone.
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
- CRISIS LINE Text ‘Help’ to 741741
- The JED FOUNDATION: https://jedfoundation.org
- Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org
- VISIT: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ to be connected with a trained crisis worker
Fitness YouTuber Whitney Simmons is engaged to long-time boyfriend Stefan. Stefan and Whitney met at the gym and have been in love ever since. The pair got engaged on June 24th 2020.
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