Celebrities struggle with mental health problems too – but can their public disclosure ever be useful when so many find it hard to truly believe them?
Stigma around mental health struggles is diminishing. Workplaces are starting to take it seriously, discussing the subject more openly, while online spaces are becoming rife with advice on how to cope.
But opening up about depression or anxiety is still inherently difficult. It requires being vulnerable and opening a door to your private mind in a way that other visible health issues may not.
For most, admitting to not being in the best state of mind can be especially hard in moments where, from the outside, everything seems like it should be okay.
So when celebrities, who seem to have the perfect life – their dream job, a polished appearance, and an overflowing bank account – reveal they’re struggling mentally, why can’t the public empathise even if we’re feeling the pressure ourselves?
Bella Hadid is no stranger to speaking about mental health. Amidst magazine covers, catwalk videos, and luxury holiday snaps, she frequently encourages her social media followers to be mindful, to be kind to themselves and others.
Talking to Vogue a few years ago, Bella admitted that (apart from being diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease since 2012) she regularly feels immense guilt for being depressed, despite being blessed with an ‘incredible life and having the opportunities [she does].’
Perhaps part of this guilt is due to her awareness that the world is plagued with disparity. Bella’s Instagram highlights paint her as an empathetic activist, advocating for equal rights and social justice for oppressed communities around the world.
The model’s latest post, though, has been her most raw to date. It begins with a video interview of Willow Smith discussing feelings of not being good enough, followed by a carousel of images of Bella puffy faced, crying, and hooked up to IV drips.
‘This is pretty much my every day, every night for a few years now,’ Bella wrote. The post continues: ‘Social media is not real. For anyone struggling, please remember that. Sometimes all you’ve gotta hear is that you’re not alone.’
Describing chemical imbalances and mental illness as a non-linear, ‘flowing rollercoaster of obstacles’ she also reminds readers that ‘there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.’
The response on this post has been mixed. On one end, there’s been an outpouring of love and support. On the other, people are ambivalent about extending empathy for someone rich, successful, and scientifically proven to be the most beautiful woman in the world.
One sarcastic comment read: ‘crying for more attention because she doesn’t get enough already’. Tough crowd.
Psychologists have tried to understand why we tend to retract empathy for celebrities, admitting that they themselves have been guilty of doing so.
One discerns that maybe some just can’t relate. Or perhaps we think celebrities are simply feeling stressed, rather than experiencing an ongoing, clinical mental disorder. Or maybe, it’s just impossible to imagine that someone with ‘so much fame and fortune’ could have a valid reason to ever be that upset.
But with a reported 970 million people suffering from mental health issues globally in 2018 – and that figure climbing rapidly thanks to the pandemic – is it so hard to believe that celebs (who are also human) are included in that number? And are there benefits in accepting this possibility?
Academic research has shown that when stars speak out about mental health, it does help. Thanks to parasocial relationships – where fans feel a sense of closeness to celebrity – audiences may relate to or better understand their own emotions, and become more inclined to address them with a healthcare professional.
After the suicide of the well-loved actor and comedian Robin Williams in 2014, calls placed to America’s National Suicide Prevention Hotline increased by 300 percent. When Princess Diana revealed she struggled with bulimia in 1993, the number of women seeking professional help for eating disorders doubled.
Partnered with numerous other examples such as Ariana Grande, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and Lady Gaga, researchers concluded that when celebrities open up about mental health issues, the effects on the wider population are largely positive.
Time to think twice
Admittedly, the lives of celebrities are easier than most. They have assistants, personal chefs, trainers, stylists – the list goes on.
But behind the scenes, we can’t really know what anyone is going through. So instead of being quick to judge someone based on what you know about them from the outside, maybe we should take time to think again.
Even in regard to celebrities, it’s important to remember that there aren’t any material possessions – or number of commas in our bank accounts – that can resolve mental health issues permanently. Just ask this guy.
So whether or not you care about celebrities (let alone their take on mental health), it’s worth acknowledging that when anyone with a massive platform sheds light on ‘taboo’ subject with good intentions, it could help somebody.
I’m Jessica (She/Her). Originally from Bermuda, I moved to London to get a Master’s degree in Media & Communications and now write for Thred to spread the word about positive social change, specifically ocean health and marine conservation. You can also find me dipping my toes into other subjects like pop culture, health, wellness, style, and beauty. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
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