RuPaul’s Drag Race: Kameron Michaels Opens Up About Crippling Depression

Kameron Michaels may not be the loudest queen in the room, but the RuPaul’s Drag Race star’s vulnerable post about her “crippling” depression this past winter is speaking volumes. Fans gravitated toward this “Body Builder Barbie” in season 10 of the competition because she was more reserved and shy than most of her over-the-top peers. She was one of the most relatable contestants to ever appear on the show. Now three years later, Kameron is continuing to inspire the masses by opening up about some of her darkest days.

While on Drag Race season 10, Kameron was hesitant to overshare on her personal life. She feared certain portions would be taken out of context by producers for the sake of making compelling television. However, Kameron was vocal in her Werq The World: The Docu-Series episode. She revealed that her introverted nature was a result of being bullied as a young gay boy. “My defense mechanism for a long time was just to stay away from other people,” Kameron explained. After building an international fandom, Kameron realized that her struggles were not unique to her. Candidly talking about her background was helping others, especially kids and teens, know that they’re not alone.

Recently on Instagram, Kameron once again left her comfort zone to speak out on an uncomfortable topic: depression. Kameron admitted to her 982,000-plus followers that in November, she didn’t leave the house or see any loved ones for a month. “I barely ate. Barely took in liquids. By the time I pulled myself out of the hole I was in, my kidneys were dry and most of the hair all over my body had thinned or fallen out,” she said. The Instagram post (seen below) features side-by-side photos of the RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, one from November and one from present day. They hardly look like the same person. “I picked up my phone one random day and documented this to remember later what had happened to me,” she said. “It still makes me uneasy, but even if one person sees this and knows they aren’t alone then I’m happy that I finally chose to post about it.”

A self-described “stubborn” person, the Drag Race season 10 finalist didn’t ask anybody for help, even as she hardly moved from the couch for almost four weeks. The only times Kameron got up were “to try and eat or use the bathroom.” The RuPaul’s Drag Race star understands that not everybody is capable of getting their lives back on track by themselves but believes getting better is impossible unless the person suffering wants to. “I’m always a believer in a little tough love,” said Kameron. “If you’re in a dark place, you gotta decide what you’re going to do about it. Even if that just means asking for the help you need.” Countless fans, as well as fellow Drag Race alums like Gottmik, Rosé and Aquaria, commented on Kameron’s post. They thanked her for finding the courage to share her story.

Currently, Kameron seems to be living her most fabulous life. She recently bought a beautiful home in Las Vegas, where she’s resuming her spot in RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE! at the Flamingo. New furry friend Lilo, an adorable French Bulldog, has joined Kameron on this next exciting chapter. Additionally, “Body Builder Barbie” is in peak physical health as she posts regular “leg day” Boomerangs and other footage from the gym. Fans of the RuPaul’s Drag Race star are thrilled to see this new and improved Kameron.

Source: Kameron Michaels/Instagram

About The Author

Samantha Bambino
(250 Articles Published)

Samantha Bambino is a Reality TV News Writer at Screen Rant. For the past three years, she has covered music, politics, business and more in the suburbs of Philadelphia. She also freelanced for the online NKD Magazine, interviewing musicians, actors and social media personalities.

Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Samantha enjoys reading Stephen King novels, listening to Green Day and binge watching Friends.

More From Samantha Bambino