There was once a time when speaking on one’s mental health, in particular the instability of it, was seen as taboo. Mental health conversations in regards to the rich and famous were prickly, almost downright nonexistent. But now, every budding musician on the precipice of stardom is ready and willing to speak on their mental health and wellness to connect with their audience both outside and within the realm of their music.

In part, musicians like Janet Jackson and Kendrick Lamar speaking out about mental health destigmatize things like ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and more. Musicians have become more open to speaking about how they cope with their struggles, as not long ago musicians would be demonized for speaking about their mental health, as it wasn’t taken seriously. Even emerging stars like Doja Cat and Doechii have been open about the burnout that accompanies fame and keeping up with the demands of fans. It’s not all glamorous parties and foreign cars; being thrust into the spotlight when you’ve never experienced it before can be jarring.

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore the myriad of tools that artists use to assist in their healing. While for us, we may lean on their music as a source of healing and strength, some artists have the resources to either enter rehab, meet with specialists, engage with therapy, or take extended time off from their irregular job. But even simple things like meditation, journaling, and staying away from social media are just some of the steps that the rich and famous (and you) can look to to care for your mental health.

Meditation

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Wellness may seem like a buzzword to us, and even the conception of meditation might seem silly. But many musicians meditate or journal their thoughts to deal with the anxieties of the world. While the application of this tool and its success may vary from person to person, it can be just one of many ways to deal with the horrors of the world. Meditation through yoga or journaling could be a helpful tool to add to your arsenal when you’re struggling with your mental health.

Artists like Moses Sumney have created music for meditation through the app Calm. Mediation music can be designed for listeners to sleep, relax, study, or meditate. With apps like Calm on the rise, more and more people are leaning towards meditation music or sounds to ease their anxieties.

Exercise

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Exercise can be a great way to manage your mental health. Exercise has been proven to decrease depression and anxiety. While most artists have the privilege of hiring a trainer to be with them in the gym at all hours of the day, for the rest of us, starting with just a simple walk can be the first step.

Exercise isn’t a cure-all, but making an effort to be active, in whatever ways work for you, can lead to feeling healthier, which is better for your mental and physical well-being.

Delete Social Media

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What was once an innocent method of connecting with people has easily become a curse. Celebrity culture has evolved drastically over time since the emergence of gossip tabloids like TMZ and Perez Hilton, and social media has now closed the gap that artists once had with their fans. Now stans or haters can comment directly on their posts and artists can respond right back.

For rappers like Megan Thee Stallion, who was discovered online, it’s been imperative that she take the time to stay away from social media. At the height of her fame, her mother passed in 2019; then in 2020 after she was shot in the foot by Tory Lanez, who then waged a social media campaign against her, the rapper further struggled with her mental health. Megan has been open about taking breaks from social media and logging off for extended periods of time and launched a mental health resources website, Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too in 2022.

While most of us might not have millions of followers, taking time away from social media and focusing on the real world can do wonders for your mental health.

Music

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It may seem counterintuitive for an artist to run towards the source of their strife as a method of healing, but for many of these artists, the act of creating art supersedes and even aids in their mental health.

Music for us can be a source of healing, an opportunity to relate to others who may be going through the same issues. Artists can create from that space because they are not only speaking from their own experiences but using their music to connect to others. Kendrick Lamar released Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers after a five-year hiatus, which details his mental health struggles and how fame takes a toll on his interactions within his community and family. He also speaks extensively on his therapy journey, as seen in the music video for the song “Count Me Out.”

Stock photo from Getty Images.

Mental health isn’t attributed to any one of a certain class or status. Anyone can experience depression, anxiety, or OCD. Even the tools that one engages with don’t have to break the bank. Similar to the artists mentioned above, we’re all going through something, but we need to be willing to get the help that we need to heal.

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