Kardashian Family Speaks Up About Mental Illness
The most unexpected family has somehow transitioned to become a very significant advocate for social change. In a recent “20/20” interview where he came out as transgender, the Kardashian sisters’ stepfather, Bruce Jenner told Diane Sawyer, “We’re going to change the world. I really firmly believe that we’re going to make a difference in the world.” The significant support he has received from fans and his family, even from his ex-wife Kris Jenner, has shown a softer, more supportive and accepting side of this family.
Next week, the popular television show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians will air a two-part special revealing the personal conversations that Jenner had with his family, in which they talk about his transition. While the Kardashians have placed themselves in front of cameras their entire lives for the purpose of monetary gain, this time it feels different – not so much for themselves.
“It was important for him to capture these moments so that people can understand,” Kim Kardashian explained to E! News on Tuesday. “I think people will learn a lot and understand its okay to have every emotion. We just filmed it to help other families going through what we’re going through.” Likewise, while Kim Kardashian’s new book may be called Selfish, these days, she’s actually following more selfless projects.
On Wednesday, the 34-year-old took part in a Google hangout, where she spoke with fans about why she’s become passionate about mental health issues. She also recently produced documentary about mental health in the social-media age. It was called “#RedFlag” and it aired on HLN last Monday.
“For me, I have experienced so many friends who have suffered from depression and other mental illnesses. And because I’ve never experienced it, I don’t understand it. I wanted to really inform myself because it’s not just something that you can snap out of,” she explained during her 14-minute hangout. “I just started to see too many people around me suffer, and I couldn’t give them advice for where they should go to get help,” she said. “And so I wanted to really inform myself and try to help inform other people and bring awareness to [the issue].”
Kardashian also spoke about the stigma surrounding mental illness, which is something she wants to use her immense fame to bring attention to and eventually end. “It’s something that I feel is a little bit taboo,” she said. “I also think it’s hard for people to admit they have a mental illness and I want them to know its okay. And there is help available.“
