In today's fast-paced world, where fame and success often overshadow personal well-being, it's important to shed light on artists and celebrities who are using their platforms to advocate for mental health. Beyond the words and visuals, there's a deeper story of resilience, vulnerability, and a genuine commitment to destigmatizing mental wellness discussions. These influential figures, often living on screens and in movies, are bravely sharing their own struggles, reminding us that they're human too. Let us take a closer look at their journeys, exploring the highs and lows, and how they're making a difference in promoting mental health awareness. We'll uncover the real faces behind the fame and celebrate their efforts to prioritize mental well-being for all. In this blog, we will be exploring 5 artists who discuss and advocate for the world of mental health.
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Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran provides an intimate look into his personal life and struggles with mental health in his latest documentary series, "Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All," now streaming on Disney+. Across its four episodes, the series delves deeply into the emotional challenges Ed faced, including the devastating loss of his close friend Jamal Edwards and navigating his wife Cherry Seaborn's cancer diagnosis while she was pregnant with their daughter Jupiter. At the New York City premiere on May 2, Sheeran emphasized the universal themes explored in the documentary, noting that grief and mental health struggles are experiences shared by everyone. His vulnerability extends further into his latest album, "Subtract," released on May 5, where he delves even deeper into his personal battles. Through tracks like "Borderline," where he candidly reflects on grappling with suicidal thoughts—"Running from the light/ Engulfed in darkness/ Sharing my eyes/ Wondering why I'm stuck on the borderline"—Sheeran bares his soul, offering listeners a raw and honest portrayal of his inner struggles, highlighting the importance of open dialogue surrounding mental health in our society.
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Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish, the 20-year-old music sensation, has become known for her remarkable candor and advocacy for mental health. At just 17, she openly discussed her struggles with depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, and self-harm in a revealing interview with Gayle King on CBS This Morning. Eilish bravely admitted to considering suicide before reaching adulthood, crediting her mother for dissuading her from acting on those thoughts. In her 2021 documentary, "Billie Eilish: The World's A Little Blurry," she further opened up about her mental health battles and living with Tourette's syndrome as a teenager. Despite her own challenges, Eilish remains dedicated to supporting fans facing similar struggles, urging them to prioritize self-care and kindness. "Please take care of yourself and be good to yourself," she passionately emphasizes, serving as an inspiring advocate for mental well-being.
Mia Anika
Mia Anika is a visual artist and passionate mental health advocate based in Atlanta, Georgia. Through her art, Mia navigates the complexities of mental health, using painting and mapping as therapeutic tools to address her anxiety and depression. She believes that mental wellness is a spectrum, influenced by both external and internal factors, and emphasizes holistic approaches involving discipline, psychological practices, and sometimes medication. Mia shares her personal journey with clinical depression and anxiety disorder on her blog, SPECTRUM, where she offers inspiration, self-care tips, and insights into the creative lifestyle. Additionally, she facilitates healing through creative workshops and initiatives such as the "Happy Place Project" and "Mental Health RE:Fresh." Committed to accessibility, Mia is developing an app to help people of color access and manage mental health resources in their communities. She admires the work of fellow advocates and organizations like Davia Roberts of Redefine Enough, NAMI, and Therapy for Black Girls. Join Mia on her mission to prioritize mental health and build supportive communities.
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Selena Gomez
Being one of the most prominent figures on social media, Selena Gomez has frequently utilized her significant influence to address her mental health struggles and forge connections with others. In 2022, the renowned singer ventured into entrepreneurship by launching Wondermind, a startup dedicated to promoting "mental fitness" and fostering robust mental well-being among users. Shortly thereafter, Gomez delved deeper into her personal mental health journey through an Apple TV+ documentary titled "Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me," which candidly portrays the highs and lows she has experienced with depression and bipolar disorder. Despite initial reservations about sharing such intimate details, Gomez ultimately recognized the potential for her story to positively impact others. In a 2022 interview with Rolling Stone, she acknowledged the weight of her platform and the sacrifices she was willing to make for a greater purpose, emphasizing her commitment to authenticity and advocacy for mental health awareness.
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Shawn Mendes
In 2019, Shawn Mendes publicly acknowledged his struggles with anxiety for the first time through the powerful and GRAMMY-nominated song "In My Blood." Fast forward three years and the singer decided to postpone his 2022 tour to prioritize his mental health, sparking an important dialogue among his devoted fan base. Reflecting on this journey in a February interview with the Wall Street Journal, Mendes described the challenging process of seeking therapy, understanding his emotions, and actively working towards healing. He emphasized the significance of leaning on supportive individuals in his life throughout this transformative period. Despite the hardships, Mendes expressed gratitude for the past year and a half, viewing it as a profound and healing experience. He noted a positive shift in cultural attitudes towards mental health, recognizing a growing prioritization of mental well-being within society.
Writer: Coco Zhu
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