Hollywood Popular Artists

Sep 9th 2013, 16:59, by Claire Biggs

Wentworth Miller made headlines earlier in the summer when he came out as gay and he's making headlines again, for an issue that many celebs don't talk about.

After he was invited to a film festival in Russia, the actor penned a letter criticizing the Russian government's actions toward LGBTQ people and smoothly included the fact that he was gay. Now, just in time for National Suicide Prevention Week, Miller is opening up about his suicide attempt as a teenager.

Over the weekend, the former "Prison Break" star spoke at a dinner for the Human Rights Campaign, where he revealed he had tried to end his life when he was only a teenager. Growing up, the actor felt like he was a "target," saying that "every day was a test and there were a thousand ways to fail." In his moving speech, Miller admitted to previous suicide attempts, noting that the first time he tried to harm himself was at age 15.

Although his family and close friends knew he was gay, Miller spent years as a closeted actor in Hollywood. He was "filled with fear and anger" when he thought about how his sexual orientation might affect his career. Although his is a private person, he began hearing about the legislation being passed that hurt his "LGBT brothers and sisters" in Russia. When he received the invitation to attend the film festival, he hesitated when writing the letter but decided it would be worth sending if "even one person notices this letter in which I speak my truth."

Millions of people struggle with issues like their sexual orientation and mental health, but you should know that those things don't make you unworthy of living your life. If you or a friend needs help, you can turn to Half Of Us to find resources. To speak with someone now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 -- you can also chat online with someone from the org.

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