Tracee Ellis Ross is making her Broadway debut in Every Brilliant Thing, a one-woman play that explores depression, suicide, hope, and the small moments that make life worth living. The production has drawn attention not only for Ross' performance but also for its deeply personal approach to mental health, encouraging audiences to have conversations about topics that are often difficult to discuss.
Speaking about the production in recent interviews, Ross described the play as an opportunity to connect with people through vulnerability and shared human experiences. By bringing depression and suicide prevention to a Broadway stage, Every Brilliant Thing has become part of a broader effort to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage those who are struggling to seek help before reaching a crisis.
Challenging the Stigma Around Mental Health
Ross has spoken openly in her interviews about how isolating mental health struggles can feel, emphasizing the importance of human connection and honest conversations. "Mental health can be so isolating," she said, underscoring one of the play's central themes.
Mental health experts have long warned that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to treatment. Many people delay seeking professional help because they fear being judged, misunderstood, or viewed as weak. In some communities, cultural beliefs discourage discussing emotional distress, while misconceptions about depression may lead people to believe they simply need to "snap out of it."
These barriers can postpone diagnosis and treatment, allowing symptoms to worsen. Public conversations led by artists, advocates, healthcare professionals, and people with lived experience have helped normalize discussions about mental health in recent years. Increased awareness campaigns, workplace initiatives, school-based mental health programs, and expanded access to counseling and crisis services have also made it easier for more people to seek support.
Gaining a Better Understanding of Depression and Suicide Risk
Depression is far more than feeling sad for a few days. According to the World Health Organization, the Mayo Clinic, and the Cleveland Clinic, it is a medical condition that affects mood, thinking, behavior, and physical health.
While depression is one of the strongest risk factors for suicide, not everyone living with depression experiences suicidal thoughts, and suicide is usually the result of multiple interacting factors rather than a single cause. Psychological pain, hopelessness, feelings of being a burden, trauma, substance misuse, social isolation, financial stress, and other mental health conditions may all contribute to suicide risk.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms may include:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Fatigue or low energy
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Irritability
- Physical aches without a clear cause
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Causes and Risk Factors
Depression develops through a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental influences, including:
- Family history of depression
- Major life stressors or trauma
- Chronic medical conditions
- Substance misuse
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Social isolation
Diagnosis and Treatment
Healthcare professionals diagnose depression through clinical interviews, symptom assessments, and standardized screening tools while ruling out other medical conditions that may contribute to symptoms.
Treatment often includes:
- Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy
- Antidepressant medications when appropriate
- Lifestyle measures including exercise, adequate sleep, and social support
- Treatment of underlying medical conditions
- Crisis intervention and hospitalization when someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves
Many people recover or experience substantial improvement with appropriate treatment, particularly when care begins early.
Never Be Afraid to Ask for Help When Needed
Tracee Ellis Ross' performance demonstrates how storytelling can help people feel less alone. By bringing depression and suicide into public conversation, Every Brilliant Thing reminds audiences that mental health challenges are common, treatable, and deserving of compassion rather than silence.
The message extends far beyond the theater. Friends, relatives, coworkers, teachers, and neighbors may all be in positions to recognize when someone is struggling. Changes in mood, withdrawal from loved ones, expressions of hopelessness, or talking about wanting to die should always be taken seriously. Listening without judgment, encouraging professional support, and staying connected can make a meaningful difference.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, seek immediate help from a local emergency service or a suicide crisis hotline. If there is an immediate risk of harm, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness; it is an important step toward safety and recovery.
You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline by calling 988 to get in touch with your local suicide prevention service or emergency medical services as soon as possible.
