Ruby Barker, Of Netflix’s Bridgerton Fame, Opens Up About Her Trauma And Mental Health Struggles

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Ruby Barker, the Netflix star hospitalized for mental health problems opened up on Instagram about her struggles
Her diagnosis sheds light on intergenerational trauma, the need for the right diagnosis, seeking help, and mental health support

English actress Ruby Barker, who plays Lady Maria Crane on Netflix’s Bridgerton, was recently hospitalized for mental health issues. She opened up about her struggles and intergenerational trauma on Instagram, highlighting the need for mental health awareness.

Barker—who is of mixed descent—does not specify her mental health issues, but her passing reference to the 2013-film Belle hinted that she might have felt the pangs of systematic racial oppression and racial ambiguity.

What Is Intergenerational Trauma?

Intergenerational or multigenerational trauma is a type of trauma that is passed down from a trauma survivor to his/her descendants. A person suffering from this disorder inherits ‘trauma responses’ genetically and experiences emotional distress from events that did not occur to him/her personally. Racial trauma is the most common type of intergenerational trauma.

The symptoms of intergenerational trauma include:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Hypervigilance
Anxiety disorders
Mood dysregulation
Nightmarish flashbacks
Intrusive memories
Health conditions (like stroke, cardiovascular diseases, etc.)

Netflix Star Hospitalized For Mental Health Highlights The Importance Of Formal Diagnosis

She candidly stated, “I was raged-filled, angry, all this intergenerational trauma bundled up inside me.” She said she felt like she was carrying the weight of the world on her back, before getting a diagnosis. Now, she is at a point where she has a diagnosis (which she declined to share), but she said, “I am relinquishing myself and forgiving myself and drawing a line in the sand”.

Speaking on the need for mental health ‘help’ and destigmatization, Barker said that, after diagnosis, she has grown more empathetic and understanding of herself.

After the diagnosis and discharge from the hospital, the actress seemed to be in better spirits and showed a strong determination to focus on her mental health. “I do not want my diagnosis to be a self-fulfilling prophecy,” Barker said.

Mental Health Support Goes A Long Way

Ruby Barker thanked her family and friends for their love and support and expressed gratitude to Netflix and Bridgerton’s creator Shonda Rhimes for “saving” her after “struggling” with her mental health. She emphasized how social support during mental health recovery can successfully contribute to the community’s physical and mental wellness in the long run.

With positive words, she is encouraging others who are also struggling mentally. She gratefully stated that “Mental health week is every week for me. Off my chest!” and urged her followers to practice self-help and take care of their mental well-being and seek support when applicable.