Gemma Styles, sister of the pop sensation Harry Styles, has candidly opened up about her challenging mental health journey in her new book, *Why Am I Like This?* In a revealing exploration of her struggles, Gemma delves into her experiences battling depression, grappling with suicidal thoughts, and coming to terms with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Her story serves as both a deeply personal narrative and a resource for anyone who has faced mental health difficulties.
In her book, Gemma takes readers on a journey that began in her mid-20s, a time when she first started experiencing the weight of depression. “I didn’t actively want to die,” Gemma writes, reflecting on her darkest days, “but I so badly wanted to opt out of what my life had become that it boiled down to the same longing.” Her words are raw and powerful, capturing the isolation and despair that so many people with depression often feel but struggle to articulate. By sharing her story, she aims to shine a light on the often hidden and stigmatized struggles of mental health, making it clear that even those who seem to have it all together are not immune to emotional pain.
Gemma’s battle was not a solitary one, and throughout her recovery, she leaned on her support network. At the heart of that network was her brother, Harry. The former One Direction star was the first person outside of her publishing team to read the manuscript of her book. “It was nice for it to be a family member and someone who I trust,” Gemma shared in an interview with *Mirror*. “And also someone who I knew would be kind to me about it.” The bond between Gemma and Harry has been well-documented over the years, but her decision to share such a vulnerable piece of her life with him is particularly touching. For Gemma, it wasn’t just about revealing her struggles but also about seeking solace in the understanding of someone close.
Growing up in a family thrust into the spotlight by Harry’s meteoric rise to fame has come with its own set of challenges. “Talking about my life, or childhood, or family means talking about people who the outside world are, let’s just say, very curious about,” Gemma noted. While she has tried to maintain her privacy, she recognized that opening up about her experiences could potentially help others in similar situations.
Beyond discussing her experiences with depression, Gemma’s book also explores her more recent ADHD diagnosis, which she received just two years ago. This new understanding of herself brought “comfort – just in terms of having some answers and a different level of understanding of myself,” she explained. For many adults, an ADHD diagnosis can feel like a revelation, providing clarity and a framework for understanding lifelong patterns of behavior and thought. In Gemma’s case, it offered a chance to reflect on how this neurodivergence has shaped her life.
The turning point that led her to seek help came in an unexpected form. While scrolling through Instagram, Gemma stumbled upon a video from an influencer discussing their own ADHD experiences. “It was like reading a story of my life,” she recalled. The realization that someone else had felt what she felt — the same restlessness, the same challenges with focus and overwhelm — was both shocking and comforting. It motivated her to take the steps necessary to understand her brain and her mental health better.
*Why Am I Like This?* doesn’t just chronicle a journey of struggle; it also explores healing, self-compassion, and resilience. Gemma’s writing emphasizes the importance of seeking help, being open about one’s vulnerabilities, and finding supportive people who can be part of the healing process. Mental health battles are rarely fought alone, and her story underscores how crucial it is to have friends, family, or even strangers who can offer understanding and empathy.
The themes of her book resonate with the broader mental health conversation taking place around the world today. As more people speak openly about their mental health experiences, there is hope that the stigma surrounding these issues will continue to diminish. Gemma’s decision to write candidly about her journey is a testament to the bravery required to confront these challenges and share them with others.
Gemma’s experiences offer a poignant reminder that mental health struggles do not discriminate, and even those surrounded by fame and wealth can face profound battles within themselves. Her book not only reveals her personal trials but also serves as an invitation for dialogue and understanding. With the support of loved ones, including her brother Harry, and a newfound awareness of herself, Gemma continues to inspire others to take their own steps toward healing and self-discovery.