In March this year, model, author and tv host Chrissy Teigen opened up to Glamour about her postpartum depression following the birth of her and John Legend’s baby girl, Luna.

After weeks of unwarranted shortness, body aches, sporadic tears, exhaustion, loss of appetite, self-isolation and exhaustion, Teigen went to the doctor and the diagnosis revealed postpartum depression and anxiety.

The revelation of the cause of Teigen’s pain served as a massive relief. “I remember being so exhausted but happy to know that we could finally get on the path of getting better,” Teigen said.

Teigen recognized the importance of explaining her unhappiness; however, it was not a simple explanation to deliver.

“The mental pain of knowing I let so many people down at once was worse than the physical pain,” Teigen said. “To have people that you respect, who are the best in the business, witness you at your worst is tough.”

However tough it was for Teigen to admit to her postpartum depression, she recognized the significance of doing so.

“I want people to know it can happen to anybody,” Teigen said. “I don’t want people who have it to feel embarrassed or to feel alone.”

Teigen’s open letter in Glamour is valuable and exigent in eliminating the stigma surrounding not only postpartum depression but mental illness in general.

Publicizing the struggles of those in the spotlight shows how unnecessary it is to push mental illness under the rug.

At the end of 2016, music icon Lady Gaga revealed her five-year mental struggle that resulted in her diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Gaga’s traces the decision to reveal her struggle back to wanting to help those who are struggling with mental illness to seek help.

“There is a lot of shame attached to mental illness,” Gaga said. “But it’s important that you know that there is hope and a chance for recovery.”

In October 2016, rap artist Kid Cudi checked himself into rehab for suicidal thoughts and depression.

Cudi did not censor or cushion his pain, he bore it all in a message on his Facebook page: “If I didn’t come here, I would’ve done something to myself,” Cudi said. “There’s a ragin’ violent storm inside of my heart at all times.”

Cudi’s honesty translated to his fans, showing the true toll depression takes on a person.

In 2010, pop artist Demi Lovato was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and since then Lovato has served a role model of constantly battling and striving to be better.

“I had no choice but to move forward and learn how to live with it,” Lovato said. “So I worked with my health care professional and tried different treatment plans until I found what works for me.”

Celebrities stand on a platform of great power — a power with the ability to alter the narrative surrounding mental illness.

When fans watch their icons struggle, they become acquainted with the fact that mental illness does not discriminate.

Whether it’s through open letters exemplified through Teigen or Gaga, or through publicly announcing current struggles like Cudi or continuing to demonstrate self-care like Lovato, celebrities have a duty, an obligation to shed light on mental illness.