Blonde bombshell Courtney Stodden made headlines this week after opening up about her battle with depression — and in an exclusive interview with In Touch, the reality star revealed why she decided to make this public. Court — who is currently focused on her new business, Stodden’s Paranormal Investigations — spoke about the mental health disorder across her social media accounts, with a black-and-white photo that read, "Depression is hard to kick. But I'll get through it and so will you if you're a sufferer."

"I feel alone and super vulnerable in my struggles. The bottom line is I don’t want to feel alone," she told In Touch via e-mail. "Lots of people deal with depression and experience a feeling of loneliness. I’m slowly starting to realize this fact. And so being in my position, I decided to use my social channels as a means to connect with other people that are going through the same journey as I am and maybe offer some solace. At the same time, I think it’s also a bit selfish in that I find comfort in knowing that others face the same emotional hurdles as I do. And ultimately this helps me feel not so alone."

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Courtney also explained that while she has tried seeking professional help and currently takes medication, "Neither are miracle workers. It has taken a lot of work on my end to get to even where I am now, and I know it will take more work to come out on the other side. But the first step was gathering the strength to want to get help. That said, I encourage anyone who deals with any sense of sadness, anxiety and/or loneliness to seek help outside of friends or family. And know that it’s ok to feel these things and get the support you need to find your own happiness."

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The Mother/Daughter Experiment alum credited music and her furry friends for helping her get through her darkest days. She also shared some powerful advice for helping a loved one who suffers from depression. "People need to ask questions and LISTEN. Respond in love and support, not with 'knowledge' or what to do. It makes me feel more alone when I open up to someone and they shut me down with an 'Oh you’ll be fine' or 'You need to do this.' Just listen, love and hug."

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