In recent years, there has been a growing movement among artists to destigmatize mental health issues. These brave individuals have been opening up about their own struggles with mental health, using their platform to raise awareness and break down the barriers surrounding this important topic. Through their honesty and vulnerability, they have shown us that mental health is not something to be ashamed of, but rather something that should be openly discussed and supported.
One of the most notable artists who has been vocal about her mental health journey is pop superstar Lady Gaga. In 2019, she revealed that she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of being sexually assaulted at the age of 19. She has since become an advocate for mental health, using her music and social media to spread awareness and encourage others to seek help. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, she said, “I want to help raise awareness and connect people who have it [PTSD] and connect them to the resources they need.”
Another artist who has been using her platform to destigmatize mental health is singer and actress Selena Gomez. She has been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression, and has been a strong advocate for seeking help and breaking the silence surrounding mental health. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she said, “I’ve had a lot of issues with depression and anxiety, and I’ve been very vocal about it, but it’s not something I feel I’ll ever overcome. There won’t be a day when I’m like, ‘Here I am in a pretty dress – I won!’ I think it’s a battle I’m gonna have to face for the rest of my life, and I’m okay with that because I know that I’m choosing myself over anything else.”
Rapper and actor Kid Cudi has also been a strong advocate for mental health, especially among the Black community. In 2016, he checked himself into rehab for depression and suicidal thoughts, and has since been open about his struggles with mental illness. In an interview with Billboard, he said, “I was really good at keeping my troubles hidden…even from my friends. I really was good with that. And it’s scary because you hear people say, ‘I had no clue.’ I really went out of my way to keep what I was going through hidden because I was ashamed.”
These are just a few examples of the many artists who have been using their platform to destigmatize mental health. By sharing their own experiences, they have shown us that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their fame or success. They have also shown us that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and self-care.
But it’s not just about talking about mental health – these artists have also taken action to support those struggling with mental illness. Lady Gaga co-founded the Born This Way Foundation, which aims to provide resources and support for young people struggling with mental health issues. Selena Gomez has been a strong advocate for therapy and has even partnered with the mental health app, Calm, to provide free resources for those in need. Kid Cudi has also been involved in various mental health initiatives, including the launch of a mental health program for students at his former high school.
The impact of these artists’ efforts cannot be underestimated. By speaking out and taking action, they have helped to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and have encouraged others to do the same. They have also shown us that it’s okay to not be okay, and that seeking help is a brave and necessary step towards healing.
But it’s not just about the big names in the entertainment industry – there are also many emerging artists who are using their platform to destigmatize mental health. Singer-songwriter Halsey has been open about her struggles with bipolar disorder and has been a strong advocate for mental health awareness. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she said, “I can’t control my brain chemistry, and I never will be able to. But I can control my output, and I can control my actions, and I can control how I treat other people.”
Indie-pop artist Lauv has also been vocal about his mental health journey, using his music to express his struggles and encourage others to seek help. In an interview with People, he said, “I think it’s really important to talk about mental health…I want to be a voice for people who are struggling
