Glenn Close wants mental illness to not be seen as a taboo.
The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ actress – whose sister has bipolar disorder – has called out for people to discuss the issue more freely and realise it isn’t something to be ashamed of.
She told the New York Daily News newspaper: "It is part of the human condition … Actually, because so many people are affected by it, it is something that should be a uniting, hope-filled issue rather than something that people have always been loathed to talk about, and afraid and shamed about it."
The 67-year-old star – who is a founder of the Bring Change 2 Mind charity aiming to end the stigma surrounding mental illness – called for people to speak openly about it, given that they are likely to know someone suffering in some way.
She added: "It’s really important to now be able to have open conversation about it."
She isn’t the only star to open up about certain issues, and Demi Lovato has spoken about her father – who passed away on June 22, 2013 after battling cancer – and his own illness in the past.
She previously said: "My dad suffered from severe mental illness so at least there’s peace in knowing he’s not suffering anymore."
Glenn Close: Mental illness isn’t shameful
