Actress Kristen Bell, best known for her roles in “Frozen” and “Veronica Mars,” has been reaching out to interviewers and media sources to talk about mental illness, specifically depression.

Bell is familiar with the dark grip of depression. According to an interview, she gave, her family has a history of depression due to some hormonal imbalances. Most recently, Bell spoke about her mother being supportive and frank about the possibilities of depression.

"When I was 18, my mom sat me down and said, 'If there ever comes a time where you feel like a dark cloud is following you, you can get help. You can talk to me, talk to a therapist, talk to a doctor. I want you to know that there are options.' " said Bell.

The actress continues to express her gratitude for her mother’s honesty and how it affected her when she realized she was suffering from depression in college, and her decision to go and ask for help.

There’s a huge stigma surrounding mental illness. Those who are afflicted with an illness often feel ashamed and scared to speak out and ask for help. It’s common to hear others say melodramatically, “I’m so depressed!” even though they probably have no idea what that truly means.

Bell’s decision to speak out about the situation is incredibly important for several reasons. She’s giving a voice to those who feel they don't have one and she’s creating a platform where not only regular people, but even those in Hollywood can have an open discussion about the effects of a mental disease.

I have friends who are suffering from depression or who have suffered from it in the past. It’s not a joke and it’s certainly not something to downplay. Depression, anxiety and other illnesses are not something to be ashamed of. Speak out and speak up. It could change a life.