Let’s talk about celebrities and mental health. Or rather, let’s talk about how celebrities don’t talk about mental health—unless they’re promoting a documentary, launching a foundation, or trying to distract us from their latest fashion disaster at the Met Gala.
Now, before you accuse me of being cynical, let me clarify: I’m all for people opening up about their struggles. But when it comes to celebrities, there seems to be a peculiar pattern. They either remain silent, or they share their deepest traumas in a glossy magazine spread, complete with a photoshoot that makes their “vulnerable” moment look like an ad for luxury skincare.
So, why the silence? Well, for starters, being a celebrity means living under a microscope. Every move is scrutinized, every word dissected. Admitting to mental health struggles could be seen as a sign of weakness, potentially jeopardizing their careers. After all, in the world of Hollywood, image is everything.
Take Ben Affleck, for example. He recently expressed empathy for Britney Spears, reflecting on the relentless paparazzi attention she endured during her personal struggles. Speaking on the podcast “This Past Weekend With Theo Von,” Affleck criticized the broader cultural phenomenon where celebrities are subjected to excessive media scrutiny and harassment, describing it as a form of “collective cruelty.”
Then there’s the issue of commodification. Mental health has become a trendy topic, and some celebrities might feel that sharing their struggles could be seen as jumping on the bandwagon. They fear being accused of exploiting their issues for publicity or financial gain. For example, Lady Gaga often talks about her mental health struggles, but earlier this week only minimized them when appearing at the Met Gala.
When the press ate this up, this is not exactly the type of seriousness that can be then turned around when she decides to discuss her mental health. It is hard to take celebrities seriously who discuss their mental health only when it’s convenient. It minimizes the seriousness that most non-famous people face every day when dealing with their own struggles.
Famous Healthy Minds 