Darren Criss is mourning the death of his brother with a fitting reminder about mental health.
The "Hollywood" actor revealed Wednesday that his brother, Charles Criss, 36, struggled with severe depression at birth and "lost his life." Chris called the news of his brother's death "a huge blow" in a touching Instagram post.
"His loss is a debilitating fracture in the lives of his mother, his brother, their three young children and their respective mothers," the actor wrote. "I've already felt like a little eternity to wrap my head around it."
Chris said his brother was going through a difficult period and that he and his family and friends shared "very vocal concerns" about his mental health, who often faced "protests that everything was fine." "
The Golden Globe winner included a reminder that mental health issues are often nuanced and there are no "simple, convenient" answers to treatment.
"It requires a more complex idea of what one's mind has to go through," Chris wrote. "It's paramount for me to remind anyone reading this who may be consumed by darkness of any kind—that there's no shame in feeling ashamed and, moreover, there's nothing wrong with asking for help."
Chris ended his post with photos of his brother smiling in photos throughout the years when they were little for pictures of him with his kids and family.
Several celebrities expressed their condolences and sent love to Chris and his loved ones.
John Stamos wrote: "I love you Darren and I encourage everyone to read what Darren wrote about his brother. I only had the pleasure of being around him twice. But every time , he was sure to make a strong impression on me. He was very funny - very smart - but mostly very gentle and kind."
"Oh Darren. Sending so much love to you and your family," wrote "West Side Story" star Rachel Ziegler.
Mandy Moore wrote, "Sending love to his family and his children, partner, to all who knew and loved him. A beautiful tribute to his lasting legacy."
John Legend commented: "I'm so sorry Darren. Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute and using this terrible tragedy to help others."