Mental health issues are extremely common in today’s world. This is not to say that they were not common earlier, but nowadays, people are more open about it and talking about it. From celebrities to common man- the internet has both been a medium to get the conversation going and something people are choosing to stay away from as it is a cause for mental stress. When you live with something as difficult as depression, anxiety or any other mental illness, just the mere fact of ‘knowing’ that your favorite celebrity is also going through something similar can be greatly empowering and self assuring.
In recent times, celebrities have openly talked about taking a mental health break and staying away from social media or even their acting, singing or playing just so that they get the break they want and a moment to prioritize their mental health.
Who are these celebrities who are taking a mental health break?
From singers to sportsperson- everyone is open to this idea and is taking a break. Some of the famous celebrities who have done so are-
Shawn Mendes, the Canadian pop-singer who is famous for his songs like Mercy, Stitches, Treat you better and more had taken a break from performing for some time to focus on his mental health.
Simon Biles, the Olympic gold medalist had taken a break from the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health. She also spoke about ‘twisties’- a mental block where one could lose sense of where they are and what they are doing. This one move of hers sparked a global conversation that focused on mental stress on athletes and today, she is a mental health advocate.
Lewis Capaldi , the Scottish singer of the famous ‘Wish You The Best’ has been extremely vocal about his Tourette Syndrome which causes ‘tics’ and his anxiety. He has chosen self-care over performing and emphasized the importance of having a strong support system that has helped him through his bad days.
Tom Holland, our beloved Spiderman had also announced a one year break from acting after his role in The Crowded Room. He, too, wanted to focus on his mental health.
Sam Fender, another singer who had taken time to look after his own mental health. He openly talked about how he had neglected himself and wanted to work on things that have affected him, but never got to actually doing that.
US tennis star Amanda Anisimova, who is only 21 years old has announced an indefinite break from tennis while she deals with burnout and her mental health.
Lili Reinhart has also been vocal about her struggles with body dysmorphia, anxiety and depression.
Emma Stone is another actress who has talked about going to therapy and her anxiety and panic attacks.
The ‘list of celebrities who have taken a mental break’ is not a short one, it does go on. This in itself is proof that the glass of stigma does have a crack it in now, though it might be a while before it completely shatters.
Breaking the Stigma
Not talking about your conditions does worsen the symptoms and leads to more stress. A mental illness can be isolating and dealing with this loneliness can be just as challenging. But, when we see famous people talking about it, it does help break the stigma- it helps us feel that we are not alone and there are other people who feel the same way and are struggling with it, too. We tend to look at our condition as the absence of certain things- such as money, power, good relationships or popularity. But, when a person who has these things is also going through the same thing- you tend to become more realistic and less harsh on yourself.
What celebrities are also normalizing is ‘therapy’. Dealing with mental health issues ids not just a one-time thing nor is it something that can be done in isolation. You need social support, you need professional support and you need to take the first step. In a society where ‘depression’ or ‘addiction’ is not discussed, to seek therapy for them is even more difficult.
At NABHS, we are not only attempting to help you get the help you deserve, but also break the stigma. We want to live in a world where going to therapy is as simple and uncomplicated as visiting a store. Your path to mental health wellness begins with us, so take the leap and book your first session with us!
