Throughout the last year, there has been a staggering rise in depression, anxiety, and suicide — particularly in young people and exacerbated by Covid-19. Though the stigma surrounding mental health has drastically decreased, it can still be hard to open up and ask for help when you need it most.
Research shows that harmful stereotypes about mental illness often prevent people from seeking treatment or speaking out at all.
Luckily, in recent years, we’ve seen a shift in the way people view and talk about mental health. Conversations about depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, suicide, and more have started to become more normalized. This is extremely important and effective for people to feel empowered to share their own experiences, as well as reach out for help.
In fact, when public figures discuss their own mental health struggles, as well as being featured in television shows and movies, it can help break down stigma, spark discussions surrounding mental health, and even inspire people to seek help.
WandaVision, the Marvel show streaming on Disney+, portrays trauma and an unconventional road to recovery. A hallmark of trauma is feeling a loss of control, so taking back control, even when the behavior is unhealthy, is often how people cope. Wanda’s fear over losing control is a reflection of how hopeless someone can feel and how she wants to find an escape, even if it is disconnecting from reality. Wanda faces her truth, and takes responsibility for the pain she caused. It is a great depiction of trauma, going through trauma, how to process it, and ultimately, how to radically accept it. Many people have stated how this show has helped them recognize their own grief and trauma, and made them feel less alone.
Additionally, many celebrities have used their platforms to become outspoken advocates for mental health: Selena Gomez and Pete Davidson have specifically discussed how Dialectical Behavior Therapy has completely changed their lives for the better, and how important it is to take your mental health seriously. Meghan Markle recently discussed her suicidal thoughts and attempts to get help; Demi Lovato has shared her experience with bipolar disorder, bulimia, and addiction; Zayn Malik has spoken about his anxiety and eating disorder; Lady Gaga has talked about living with post-traumatic stress disorder and even founded the Born This Way Foundation, which provides programs and campaigns that support the wellness of young people; Chris Evans has talked about living with anxiety; Ariana Grande discussed her experience with anxiety and PTSD; Kristen Bell shared her experience with anxiety and depression; Wayne Brady shared his story about dealing with depression; Taylor Swift shared her experience with an eating disorder in the Netflix documentary “Miss Americana”; Jada Pinkett-Smith opened up about her mental health struggles and being “extremely suicidal” in her 20s; Billie Eilish has talked about her depression and stated that, “Asking for help doesn’t make you weak”; and Taraji P. Henson has stated that therapy has been a game-changer for her depression.
Seeing and hearing celebrities and television shows discussing mental health can be an inspiration for viewers struggling with mental health. It shows that anybody is susceptible to mental illness, no matter how famous, wealthy or ‘perfect’ you may seem. It proves you are not alone in your struggles and need for help. It gives people hope that they can get through their own issues and come out on the other side stronger than ever.
“You can live well with a mental illness. It may take time, but it’s worth it. You deserve to live a happy and healthy life.” – Demi Lovato
