American Idol season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina has recently told her story of her struggle with bulimia and body image. Jana Kramer, an actress and singer also has told her story about her relationship with her abusive ex-husband. These stars among many others have come forward and told their stories of their struggle with mental illnesses or domestic violence. This is such an important matter because it is estimated that one in four people will be affected by a mental illness and every minute, 20 people are victims of intimate partner violence. These numbers are too high to have stigmas and judgment and these stars are working to break those.

These public figures along with many others are coming forward and telling their stories to let fans and people around the world know that these struggles happen and these stories need to be told. Lauren Alaina did an interview where she described just wanting to be thin. She said she was following her dream and was getting amazing opportunities, but was still obsessed with her weight and other things that were making her unhappy. Alaina worked hard to deal with body image issues and has dedicated her next album to themes of confidence and self-love. Here is a video from her new album which she hopes to inspire her fans to love themselves.

Jana Kramer did an interview and told the stories of her abusive relationship. Kramer was 19 when she got married and remembers hiding in bushes trying to hide from her ex. Because of this experience with her ex, Kramer has struggled with PTSD. She wants other women and men in abusive relationships to know that they are not the reason, because they aren't. Kramer re-married in 2015 and they had a child. They are now separated because he cheated on her. But Kramer still wants other women like herself to know that she and others are worthy of an amazing love where someone treats you they way you are supposed to be treated. She knows that even after all that she went through, she is worthy of a great love. To watch her interview, go to the following link.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/exclusive-jana-kra...

Don't let judgement or the stigmas placed around domestic violence or mental illnesses stop you from seeking help or helping other people. Know that someone cares and always wants to help you.