An Open Letter To Amanda Bynes

FREE IMAGES Dear Amanda:

I'm not going to beat around the bush here. Instead, I'll just get right to the point, because I think you deserve at least that: You've had a pretty rough time of it lately. You know this. I know this. It seems like practically everyone knows this. We've all seen your life play out in a series of tweets and headlines that leave everyone scratching their heads and questioning every move you make and every word you say. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't guilty of this at least a time or two, but this letter is not about that. It's most definitely not about that. Unlike those tabloids, I'm not going to come charging at you -- full-speed ahead and full of accusations and speculations -- because, like I said, I think you deserve a bit more respect than that. I'd simply like to give you some things to think about, things that I would want someone to tell me if I were in your shoes...

You're a powerful person 
Own that and use it for good. I've always admired your girl-next-door vibe ever since your All That days. You were cool and laid back, and you could tell that people really responded to that. And people still respond to that, nearly 20 years later. It's such a rare trait in Hollywood, so it's no surprise to see messages from your fans on Twitter -- messages of support from a team of people pulling for you. Use this opportunity to be the awesome role model I remember.

Take health into own hands
There's nothing wrong with admitting you need help. People have this idea in their heads that asking for help is the ultimate sign of weakness, but really, reaching out is the ultimate sign of strength. It shows that you're human, and there's nothing weak about being human. When I went through my scary depression, I was so thankful to have people around me who wanted to help, people who didn't make me feel like I was weak or like what I was going through was somehow my fault. I'm not sure I could have gotten better without those people in my life.

Because, when all is said and done, we all need someone in our corner, don't we? When it comes down to it, we can't get through this crazy world alone. And we're just kidding ourselves if we try or if we think we can. We need people cheering us on. We need people telling us it's going to be OK when it feels like everything is crumbling down around us. We just need people who get us and love us, no pretenses and no questions asked. I hope you'll reach out to those people. They want to help you. If only you'll let them... xoxo

[Photos via We Heart It and Le Love]