Being in the public eye can be a pressure-filled
environment, leaving many famous people struggling to handle the stresses and
strains.
Creative types, top athletes and many other people cannot
handle being in the spotlight, often leading to them suffering with worry,
anxiety and depression.
However, by working with professionals to understand these
conditions, many celebrities have learned to manage the symptoms and thrive in
their respective careers.
Read on as we look at some of the world’s most famous people
have managed to conquer anxiety and worry.
Demi Lovato at Elvis Duran Show
Exercise the key for
Lovato
Singer Demi Lovato has regularly spoken about her struggles
with mental health and says she uses a variety of methods to deal with her
anxiety issues.
The founder of the ‘Be Vocal: Speak Up For Mental Health’
initiative, Lovato has regularly opened up about living with bipolar disorder
and battling anxiety in the past.
She says that solutions can vary from person to person and
has encouraged people not to stay silent about mental health issues.
“I can’t stress enough to vocalize your needs to a great support system – whether it’s your family or even an online community of people who are going through the same thing that you are,” she told the Huffington Post.
“It’s so important to vocalise what you’re dealing with
instead of internalising it and letting it manifest into unhealthy behavior.
That eventually leads to lifelong problems. That’s the most important thing you
can do.
“Exercising is another way I deal with anxiety. Painting,
and writing music and expressing myself through art are other ways that I can
release emotions. Meditation is another one. Whatever it is, it’s important to
find what works for you.”
Soreness, tiredness and feelings of nausea are amongst the
main side effects of intensive training and restrictions on certain
pharmaceuticals make it difficult for athletes to get relief from the symptoms.
With top level sports being a pressure-filled environment,
many athletes also suffer bouts of anxiety often brought on by concerns about
their injuries or worrying about performance.
Performing
helps Stone cope
Oscar winner, Emma Stone, says performing on the big screen
helps her cope with lifelong anxiety and panic attacks.
Stone struggled with deep separation anxiety as a youngster
and was eventually diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and panic
disorder.
She learned cognitive therapy techniques that helped her cope with anxiety and channel her feelings into productive behaviour.
“I believe the people who have anxiety and depression are very, very sensitive and very, very smart,” she said.
“Because the world is hard and scary and there’s a lot that goes on and if you’re very attuned to it, it can be crippling.
“But if you don’t let it cripple you and use it for something productive, it’s like a superpower.”
Today, she manages her anxiety with therapy, meditation,
being with others and keeping busy. She also steers clear of social media to
ensure she avoids putting herself in difficult situations.
She takes medication to manage her depression, but freely
admits that talking about the problem is the key to her wellbeing.
The ‘Star is Born’ actress created the Born This Way
Foundation in 2012 to build empowered communities and improve mental health
resources for young adults.
Gaga believes that mental health is just as vital to our
wellbeing as physical health, and insists that talking about it can really
help.
“I’ve suffered through depression and anxiety my entire life – I still suffer with it every single day,” she said.
“I just want these kids to know that that depth that they feel as human beings is normal. We were born that way. This modern thing, where everyone is feeling shallow and less connected? That‘s not human.
“I think it’s better when we all say: ‘Cheers!’ And ‘fess up to it.”
Fish urges people to talk
In 2012, tennis star Mardy Fish began suffering from anxiety
attacks so serious that he had to withdraw before a match against Rodger
Federer at the US Open.
His anxiety ultimately led him to retiring from the sport,
but therapy, medication and talking openly about his mental-health difficulties
have proved to be a life-saver.
“Mental health is not a very easy thing to talk about in sports,” he told the Players’ Tribune. “It’s not perceived as very masculine.
“We’re so trained to be ‘mentally tough,’ in sports. To show weakness, we’re told, in so many words, is to deserve shame.”
Fish has refused to be defined by anxiety disorder and has
found his way back into tennis as captain of the US Davis Cup team.
He believes that his previous experiences make him
well-equipped to help the current crop of players deal with the pressures of
representing their country.
“To be the Davis Cup captain, the next Davis Cup captain, I’m incredibly humbled,” Fish said. “I can’t even express how excited I am, how excited I am that the players have supported the decision.
“The friendships I’ve made throughout the years, relationships of all the players, not just the top players, is very special.”
May is the time when we look at the mental health problems that are affecting the nation. Mental Health Awareness Month helps us realize that we have quite a ways to go when it comes to taking care of the mental health of us and people around us. Whether we are having problems with ourselves, a family member, or anybody in our lives, talking to an online counselor can help.
With that said, some people don’t want to see a therapist in person. That’s why online options have been growing in popularity. Here are some reasons why online therapy has been growing in popularity.
It used to be that a cell phone was a luxury item.
Nowadays, most have the ability to take out their phone and communicate with a
professional.
People communicate in different ways too. Some people love
to talk with their own voice, while others express themselves via text. Some
like a video conversation. Online counseling offers all three of those, and
odds are, you have a device that can perform every option possible. Most have
service that allows for an online video call. No longer do you have to deal
with stuttering video or a dropped call.
You Can
Find a Better Fit
There are many therapists out there, and not every therapist
is a good fit for you. Some therapists can be great at their job, but their
style just doesn’t click with you. You may have preferences with age, gender,
or type of therapy they offer. In real life, there are fewer options, it seems.
When it comes to online therapy though, there are a lot more options and more
ways to be matched up with a therapist who is right for you.
Therapy on
Your Schedule
With 24 hour jobs and people who make their own schedules,
a traditional therapist’s hours are sometimes not doable. Online therapy allows
you to be matched up with a therapist who has plenty of experience and can talk
to you on your schedule. This is great for people who work odd hours or college
students who just can’t seem to find enough time in the day. We say to try that
and see how it works for you.
We understand that some people need help right now. Maybe they are
having a massive panic attack and need a professional to remind them how to
calm down. Perhaps they are having an argument with their spouse and need
someone who can deescalate the situation. No matter the reason, life doesn’t
allow you to wait until the next day. Online therapy can connect you with a
therapist who can calm you down or help you recover when you’re at your weakest,
which is always important.
Therapy at
All Levels
There are online therapists for everyone. People who just
need someone to talk to, people who have mild depression, and even people who
have severe mental health issues can benefit. There are different therapists
for all levels of mental illness, and they provide various techniques that can
help you when you’re at your most vulnerable.
Seek Help!
If you are dealing with a mental health problem, talking
to a professional and receiving the right kind of help is the most important
thing you can do. We cannot stress that enough. Talk to a counselor, either in
person or online, and see how you can deal with all the problems life throws at
you.
Generally, childhood is considered to be the best part of one’s life. Children are happy and free of the stresses that concern an adult. They do not suffer from emotional problems and mental problems, as adults do. However, research has proved over and over again that children experience similar psychological problems as adults. They also suffer from clinical depression and may be at a risk of committing suicide. According to an estimate, every hour 57 children and teenagers attempt suicide and every day 18 of these children and teenagers succeed.
These glaring facts definitely prove that mental illness is not just a creative imagination of a crooked mind. This also shows that parents need to provide them the special care and attention they need in order to prevent such mental illnesses.
Although some are biological in nature, some arise due to the circumstances they have faced while they were growing up. These illnesses can be taken care of if identified on time.
Depression
Prevalent in adults, depression is not rare or uncommon in children. Research shows that one in 10 children suffer from depression during the age of 6 to 12. Here are some facts about Australia alone. Its symptoms may be similar to those in adults such as hopelessness, excessive guilt, fatigue and change in sleep patterns. However, they may not be able to communicate their feelings. You can look for behaviors such as school performance, heightened anxiety and fear and constant wringing of hands. Depression can be caused due to biological reasons or may have its link with the family environment that the child is living in. For example, a divorce among parents, loss of a parent or an abusive parent might be some reasons triggering depression. It can be treated with therapy or antidepressants.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention deficit disorder influences the child’s ability to concentrate and learn. This is 10 times more common in boys and usually develops before the age of 7. However, it is diagnosed between 8 to 10 years of age. Symptoms include lack of concentration in running and participating in active games. The reasons can be biological or environmental. Environmental problems might include the exposure of the child to cigarette smoke and alcohol. This can be easily cured through therapy and medication.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder appears in children when they are separated from a parent or a sibling. It usually appears suddenly and is extreme in the sense that it may hinder the normal activities of the child. The child may refuse to go to school, leave the house alone and may shadow parents by following them around all the time. They may also have difficulty in sleeping. The reasons may vary depending on the environment the child is exposed to or the biological characteristics. Any stressful personal experience might also trigger such a disorder. It may be cured with detailed evaluation, therapy and medication. For troubled parents, it is better to consult with a family law Sydney for child custody, family violence and divorce cases.
Although, not an exhaustive list, these are some of the typical mental illnesses prevalent in children. When identified at an early age, they can be cured and the child would live a normal life.
Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is an anxiety disorder which can develop after a very stressful, frightening or distressing event, or a prolonged traumatic experience.
People naturally feel afraid when in danger, but the legacy of some traumatic events is a change in perception of fear.
Image source Wikimedia
They may feel stressed or frightened in day-to-day life.
PTSD can be caused by any traumatic event – including military conflict, serious road accidents, natural disasters, assaults, and muggings.
Patients typically tend to re-experience the event in flashbacks, avoid talking about it, have trouble sleeping, or experience a change in mood.
Lady Gaga has revealed she has been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since being raped at the age of 19.
The pop star talked about her mental illness during a visit to a homeless shelter for young LGBT people last month.
In a TV interview about the visit, Lady Gaga said: “I suffer from a mental illness – I suffer from PTSD. I’ve never told anyone that before.”
The 30-year-old singer first spoke publicly about the rape two years ago.
Lady Gaga has since admitted she blamed herself and did not tell anyone about it for seven years.
Image source Wikimedia
She made the revelation during an interview with the Today Show, which was broadcast on NBC on December 5.
It is the first time Lady Gaga has talked about having PTSD.
During her visit to the Ali Forney Centre in New York, Lady Gaga told the homeless LGBT teenagers that her trauma helped her understand others.
She said: “The kindness that’s been shown to me, by doctors as well as my family and my friends, it’s really saved my life.”
“Meditation helps me to calm down,” the singer said, adding that she was struggling with her mental illness “every day”.
The pop star brought presents to the teenagers at the center.
Lady Gaga later tweeted: “Today I shared one my deepest secrets w/ the world. Secrets keep you sick w/ shame.”
A tearful young person from the center she visited said: “Lady Gaga’s act of kindness today was a reminder that love still exists – and that there’s still some for me.”
On social media, Lady Gaga’s fans opened up with their own experiences in response.
She is one of the world’s most successful contemporary artists, with a string of hits across her first five albums. Her sixth album, Joanne, was released two months ago.
Lady Gaga has long been an advocate for the LGBTQ community; campaigning for Hillary Clinton during the election and protesting outside Trump Tower when the results were announced.
Matthew Warren, Rick Warren’s youngest son, has committed suicide at the age of 27 after a long battle with depression.
It was reported that the estimated time of Matthew Warren’s death was Friday at 10 a.m. and said he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Rick Warren, the evangelical pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, revealed his son’s death to his church on Saturday.
“No words can express the anguished grief we feel right now,” the pastor told his congregation in a statement, pleading for their prayers as the family mourned.
Rick Warren revealed in a statement that Matthew had struggled with mental illness from a young age, experiencing “dark holes of depression, and even suicidal thoughts”.
Matthew Warren, Rick Warren’s youngest son, has committed suicide at the age of 27 after a long battle with depression
Despite countless doctors and medication, “the torture of mental illness never subsided”.
“Kay and I often marveled at his courage to keep moving in spite of relentless pain. I’ll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give relief, Matthew said <<Dad, I know I’m going to heaven. Why can’t I just die and end this pain?>> but he kept going for another decade,” Rick Warren continued.
Rick Warren is married to Kay, who is active in her husband’s ministry, and they have two other adult children, Amy and Joshua, and five grandchildren.
He said that the tragic event occurred after Matthew had spent time with the couple on Thursday.
“In a momentary wave of despair at his home [in Mission Viejo, California], he took his life.”
The Coroner’s office said that an autopsy would be conducted next week on either Monday or Tuesday.
Rick Warren frequently communicates via his Twitter account but did not post any messages on Friday.
On Saturday afternoon, the pastor posted this tweet referencing the Lord’s Prayer.
“We pray <<Thy WILL be done on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN>> since in heaven God’s will is done #always. On earth, it’s done rarely,” seemingly in response to the family’s tragic loss.
Rick Warren, 59, is one of the leading voices in the evangelical movement in America.
His church, located in Orange County, is ranked the seventh largest congregation in the U.S. with an average weekly attendance of 20,000.
The Southern Baptist pastor authored the Purpose Driven Life, a devotional study book, that was published in 2002 and became a New York Times bestseller, selling over 32 million copies as it exploded as a popular trend among conservative Christians.
Rick Warren has taken an active role in promoting social justice and even hosted the Civil Forum on The Presidency, attended by both Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) and then Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) during the 2008 presidential election.
Pastor Rick Warren was also selected to deliver the invocation at President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration.
His wife, Kay Warren, helped him establish the evangelical church in 1980.
According to a study of more than a million people, creativity is often part of a mental illness, with writers particularly susceptible.
Writers had a higher risk of anxiety and bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, unipolar depression, and substance abuse, the Swedish researchers at the Karolinska Institute found.
They were almost twice as likely as the general population to kill themselves.
The dancers and photographers were also more likely to have bipolar disorder.
As a group, those in the creative professions were no more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders than other people.
But they were more likely to have a close relative with a disorder, including anorexia and, to some extent, autism, the Journal of Psychiatric Research reports.
Lead researcher Dr. Simon Kyaga said the findings suggested disorders should be viewed in a new light and that certain traits might be beneficial or desirable.
For example, the restrictive and intense interests of someone with autism and the manic drive of a person with bipolar disorder might provide the necessary focus and determination for genius and creativity.
Similarly, the disordered thoughts associated with schizophrenia might spark the all-important originality element of a masterpiece.
Dr. Simon Kyaga said: “If one takes the view that certain phenomena associated with the patient’s illness are beneficial, it opens the way for a new approach to treatment.
“In that case, the doctor and patient must come to an agreement on what is to be treated, and at what cost.
“In psychiatry and medicine generally there has been a tradition to see the disease in black-and-white terms and to endeavour to treat the patient by removing everything regarded as morbid.”
Beth Murphy, head of information at Mind, said bipolar disorder personality traits could be beneficial to those in creative professions, but it may also be that people with bipolar disorder are more attracted to professions where they can use their creative skills.
“It is important that we do not romanticize people with mental health problems, who are too often portrayed as struggling creative geniuses.
“We know that one in four people will be diagnosed with a mental health problem this year and that these individuals will come from a range of different backgrounds, professions and walks of live. Our main concern is that they get the information and support that they need and deserve.”
Troubled minds:
• Novelist Virginia Woolf, who wrote A Room of One’s Own and To the Lighthouse, had depression and drowned herself
• Fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote The Ugly Duckling and The Little Mermaid, had depression
• US author and journalist Ernest Hemingway, who wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls, had depression and killed himself with a shotgun
• Author and playwright Graham Greene, who wrote the novel Brighton Rock, had bipolar disorder
A new study shows that grieving men who have lost their wives to cancer cope better mentally if they meet a new partner within 5 years.
Researchers found that those men who are single four or five years after the death are at a far greater risk of mental illness.
Previous work has shown that the relatives of cancer victims are at greater risk of dying themselves or developing mental or physical illness.
However, these studies have largely focused on widows and the short term risks, say researchers from Sweden’s University of Gothenburg.
They looked at long term data from 691 widowers and found that those who had met a new partner within 5 years had dealt with the loss relatively well.
Those who remained single were at far greater risk of developing depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and emotional blunting, and were also more likely to use sleeping pills and antidepressants.
Prof. Gunnar Steineck said: “Previous studies have shown that people who lose their partner are at greater short-term poor mental health.
“Our study is the first to show that the risk of poor mental health last for many years but, on the average, the risk is restricted to those who don’t find a new partner.
“We need more research to understand the underlying mechanisms, but emotional support from a new partner does probably help to process grief and protect against mental illness.
“But it could also be the case that those men who cope best with their loss are more likely to show an interest in finding a new partner.”
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