Saldaña Shares How Pride Hid Her Mental Health Battles

Actress Zoe Saldaña has shared her journey of confronting mental health challenges, admitting that pride, fear, and an unwillingness to speak up once hindered her from seeking necessary support. She revealed that the most difficult experiences were those she faced alone, while those where she asked for help were easier to navigate and heal from.

Saldaña's 20s were particularly challenging, with her 30s bringing a period of self-discovery. She noted that maintaining mental health involves ongoing effort, with fluctuating periods of feeling capable and times of being overwhelmed by tiredness or stress.

This personal reflection coincides with her collaboration with Lancôme and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America for the 'I'm Fine' campaign. Launched ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the initiative addresses the societal pressure on women to appear emotionally resilient, even when struggling. Saldaña admits to still falling into the habit of saying she's fine, emphasizing the importance of self-honesty.

Her disclosures follow past revelations about career-related stress, including confronting dyslexia and anxiety while preparing for "Lioness." She previously credited co-star Nicole Kidman for a supportive environment and her husband, Marco Perego, for his appreciation of her emotional authenticity.

Through the campaign, Saldaña aims to empower other women to acknowledge their struggles without fear. Campaign statistics reveal that 80 percent of women admit to saying they are fine when they are not, and 72 percent regret hiding their true feelings. Saldaña urges the creation of safe spaces and encourages checking in on one another, stressing that conversations should lead to action, and asking for help is crucial when facing difficulties.