Emma Heming Willis Reveals She Had a 'Good Cry' on Her Anniversary with Bruce Willis: 'Holidays Are Hard'

Emma Heming Willis said she’s grateful for the supportive community she’s able to lean on and how they help her “feel less alone” since Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia

Emma Heming Willis admitted that she had a difficult time celebrating her anniversary with Bruce Willis.

On Thursday, the 45-year-old posted a video on instagram sharing that she just had a  “good cry” with one of her close friends, noting how important it is to have someone you can trust with your feelings.

“Holidays are hard. Anniversaries are hard. But for me, this year has really been about building a community and connection. And I just want to say that has been my lifeline and I just want to thank you for that.”

The day prior, she and Bruce, 68, marked 16 years together. Emma has been very transparent on social media about having a difficult time dealing with Bruce’s health decline after he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) back in February, a little under one year after his family shared that the Hollywood icon was initially diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022.

In the caption of her emotional video, Emma said having a community surrounding his diagnosis has helped her “feel less alone.”

“Bruce calls it the ‘inner circle.’ It’s people that we are fortunate to have in our lives that we can call, trust and rely on,” she wrote. “I’m lucky enough to have an inner circle of people that don’t offer a way to fix-it but can just listen. That helps tremendously.”

Related: Bruce Willis' Wife Emma Heming Willis Says It's 'Hard to Know' if He Is Aware of FTD Condition

“That inner circle is also here on this channel. This past year it was imperative for me to finally be able to build community and connection. And you have shown up,” Emma continued. “People from all walks of life sharing the same unfortunate thread that connects us. I receive countless messages of love and support because Bruce is so beloved. That showers on him and I am fortunate enough to stand below that to catch those sprinkles that yet, feel like a waterfall of kindness.

“I wish I could answer all the messages because they are deep, raw and poetic but please know that I appreciate them so very much,” she added. “It also makes me feel less alone. I am grateful to you 💞”

Last month, Emma opened up about the guilt she's felt since her husband was diagnosed with FTD.

In a self-written article for Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper, the model shared how lucky she is as a caregiver to have access to certain doctors and medical professionals that others might not.

"I struggle with guilt, knowing that I have resources that others don’t. When I’m able to get out for a hike to clear my head, it’s not lost on me that not all care partners can do that," Emma wrote at the time.

Related: Emma Heming Willis Launches Brain Health Brand, 'New Purpose' amid Bruce Willis' Dementia Battle (Exclusive)

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"When what I share about our family’s journey gets press attention, I know that there are many thousands of untold, unheard stories, each of them deserving of compassion and concern," she continued. "At the same time, I see that what I share matters to others who may be struggling, and in a small way makes them feel seen and understood."

She added, "I want people to know that when I hear from another family affected by FTD, I hear our family’s same story of grief, loss, and immense sadness echoed in theirs. It's important to me to be an advocate on behalf of those families who don’t have the time, energy, or resources to advocate for themselves."

In the article, Emma also explained how one of the lessons she's learned amid this ongoing journey is the importance of community. At first, she struggled with how to come forward to the public about Bruce's diagnosis, she said. However, once she shared the news she said she felt relieved.

"Suddenly, I wasn’t alone anymore and I could seek the support Bruce, myself, and our family so desperately needed," Emma wrote.

"With a specific diagnosis, you have a chance to find a community," she later continued. "You get to connect with people who understand your story immediately. You don’t even have to explain yourself. The people I’ve met and interviewed in the FTD community have so much compassion, and are so determined to make things better for the next family."

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.