There is an ongoing mental health crisis among adolescents—and especially among adolescent girls—in the United States. And while outside observers—including parents, teachers, and researchers—can clearly see that mental health problems are prevalent among young people, the young people themselves may not always be able to see the forest for the trees.
A young person who is, for example, experiencing symptoms of depression might believe that their situation is wholly unique to them and their life. They might feel as though no one understands what they are going through, and they might be convinced that treatment for a mental health disorder would be useless to them. Ironically, the insistence of a parent that they need to get help can make them even more resistant to the idea.
In that situation, a parent—perhaps you yourself—can feel pretty helpless. If your child will not listen to you, who will they listen to? One possible group of people who might get their attention is young celebrities who have been open about their own mental health challenges.
Olivia Rodrigo Knows Heartbreak—and the Importance of Mental Health
Young superstar Olivia Rodrigo seems to have her pulse on the feelings many young people experience. In an interview, she talked about the way in which her huge hit ‘Drivers License’ seemed to connect with people: “It was an incredible experience to write a song that you feel accurately expresses intense heartbreak, pain and longing, and watch all of those sad feelings resonate with other people.”
She is also well aware of the ways fame can change a person’s life—and how mental health must remain a priority: “I’m taking it one step at a time. It can be really tough on your mental health, though. I’m grateful for the people who like me for me, and keep me separated from all the noise and tabloids or what people are saying about me on social media. That’s always been a top priority. It’s funny how recognition changes everything and also changes nothing in your life. The problems I was having a year ago are still the problems I’m having now, and things that brought me joy a year ago are still the things that bring me joy now. It’s just another aspect of life that you need to learn how to deal with, but it doesn’t change who you are as a person.”
With those ideas in mind, Rodrigo has been open about the value of regularly seeing a mental health therapist—even posting on social media that she couldn’t wait to tell her therapist about the success of her debut.
Selena Gomez Knows Success—and the Reality of Mental Health Disorders
There seems to be few things Selena Gomez can’t do. She is an acclaimed actress, a popular vocalist, and a successful businessperson. She is also a passionate advocate for mental health care because she knows what it is like to struggle with bipolar disorder and anxiety.
She also knows that help is available—and can be transformative: “I found out I do suffer from mental health issues, and honestly, that was such a relief. I realized that there was a way to get help and to find people that you trust. I got on the right medication, and my life has been completely changed.”
Happily, that sort of change is available to young people who are struggling with a mental health disorder.
Taylor Swift Knows Superstardom—and the Ways Mental Health Issues can Feel Like Midnight
Taylor Swift tackled issues related to mental health head-on with her album Midnights. The record includes the hit song “Anti-Hero,” in which Swift sings: “Midnights become my afternoons, when my depression works the graveyard shift, all the people I’ve ghosted stand there in the room.” And in “You’re on Your Own Kid,” she references an eating disorder, singing, “I gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this, I hosted parties and starved my body, like I’d be saved by a perfect kiss.”
It almost goes without saying that Taylor Swift is the biggest star in the world right now. Her vulnerability around issues of mental health and behavioral disorders is a powerful reminder that literally anyone can experience difficulties. As young fans connect with Swift’s lyrics, it may encourage them to remember they are not alone in the way they are feeling. It may also encourage them to accept help so they can pursue their goals with passion like Swift does.
We Know Mental Health Disorders—and the Best Approaches for Treating Them
At Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health, located in Johnstown, Colorado, we offer personalized treatment for mental health disorders for adults and adolescent girls. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, anxiety, disorders grounded in trauma, or other mental and behavioral health issues, we can help.
