Kaia Gerber is a successful model who has been in the spotlight since she was 16 years old. However, despite her glamorous lifestyle, she has been upfront about her struggles with mental health. In a candid interview with Vogue in 2021, Gerber opened up about her experiences with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Growing up as the daughter of famous model Cindy Crawford and entrepreneur Rande Gerber, Kaia Gerber was exposed to the fashion world at a young age. She began her own modeling career at just 16 years old, and quickly rose up to one of the most sought-after models in the industry. However, despite her success, she struggled with anxiety and OCD from the early ages of her life.
In her interview with Vogue, Gerber described her anxiety as a constant sense of “impending doom.” She said that it was always with her, no matter what she was doing and that she often found herself struggling to breathe or feeling like she was having a panic attack. Gerber also talked about her experience with OCD, saying that it often manifests as intrusive thoughts or compulsions that she can’t control.
Despite her struggles, Gerber has been open about the fact that she has been in therapy since she was 10 years old. She described therapy as a “lifesaver,” saying that it has improved her ability to cope with her anxiety and OCD and helped her become a more empathetic person. She is also one of the many who broke stigma surrounding the mental issues and emphasized the importance of therapy and medication encouraging people to seek help if struggling with one. Gerber has also used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and support organizations that help those who struggle with mental illness.
As open as she got about her mental health conditions, the more people related to her stories. Gerber’s candor about her mental health struggles has also inspired others to share their own experiences, helping to create a more supportive and understanding culture around mental health.
In addition to her advocacy work, Gerber’s success in the fashion industry despite her challenges is also a testament to her strength and resilience. Despite her anxiety and OCD, she has continued to walk in fashion shows for top designers and work with major brands. Gerber has credited her mental health treatment journey with making her a better model and a better person, saying that it has taught her to be more empathetic and compassionate towards others.
Kaia’s story serves as a powerful reminder that mental illness can affect anyone, anytime, regardless of their background or achievements. It is also an emphasis that getting treatment for mental health problems is not a sign of weakness. Kaia has contributed to the development of a society that is more accepting and supportive of people who experience mental illness by sharing her experiences out loud.
Considering the fact that a healthy mind breeds a healthy body, there is no denying that prioritizing mental peace is equally important.
We often don’t realize but the truth is that our mind is the control center of our body, and a healthy mind is essential to leading a fulfilling life.
How do we go about developing a healthy mind? There are several ways to do so, and different approaches favor different people. Here are some general tips:
- Practice self-care: Take care of your health if you happen to find yourselves drained out. Start with eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and taking time for you and your family to relax and unwind.
- Connect with others: Being socially active or building strong social connections too helps in keeping a good mental state. Make an effort to maintain and build relationships with friends and family and try to connect with like-minded people who share your vibe.
- Practice mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness is a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. Try incorporating practices, such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises, into your daily routine and you will see improvements in your overall health.
- Learn something new: Challenging your mind can help keep it healthy and active. consider picking up a new skill or taking up a new hobby that draws you.
- Seek help when needed: If you are struggling with any mental health condition that interferes with your daily life, seek help immediately. Early interventions have proved to be more effective. The treatment journey can be initiated by talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or seeking out other resources for mental health support.
Focus on finding your mental peace and the rest shall fall into its place.
For help, call +1 (917) 267 8635 for mental health treatment resources and not let your mental health condition be a hurdle in your story of success.