Mental illnesses are a big part of a lot of people’s lives and a lot of it is hidden. It’s not easy to simply look at or be around someone and automatically be able to tell if they are suffering mentally. It is also extremely hard to speak about as a lot of us come from backgrounds where it’s seen as a taboo subject due to the lack of awareness surrounding it. Here are some famous creatives, how they cope and some personal advice from them.
1. Wayne Brady
Admit it
"It took me a while to get my stuff together to go, 'You know what? If you're not happy, you have to do something about it. Just to admit that you are feeling this way is a huge step. To claim that, to say, 'Why do I feel dark? Why do I feel unhappy? Let me do something about this.'"
2. Beyoncé
Self-Care
“It’s not about perfection, It’s about purpose… We have to care about our bodies and what we put in them. We have to take the time to focus on our mental health – take time for self, for the spiritual, without feeling guilty or selfish.”
3. Steel Banglez
Speak Out
“Depression is not easy but you've got to over-stand. You're not alone. Speaking about it is the first cure”
4. Kerry Washington
Seek professinoal help
"I started therapy, which I still do today. I also see a nutritionist and I meditate. Learning how to love myself and my body is a lifelong process. But I definitely don't struggle the way I used to. Therapy helped me realise that maybe it’s okay for me to
communicate my feelings”
5. Dwayne Johnson aka the rock
You're not alone
“We both healed (him and his mother who he watched and helped growing up) but we've always got to do our best to pay attention when other people are in pain. We have to help them through it and remind them they are not alone ... Took me a long time to realise it but the key is to not be afraid to open up. Especially us dudes have a tendency to keep it in. You're not alone."
If you find you are mentally getting unable to cope and you feel you don’t have many people or anyone to speak to, remember the crisis team are always available on (116126) For the U.K.