Despite how common mental illness is in Americans, a huge stigma still exists against those suffering from one.
In any given year, one in every four adults experiences some sort of mental illness; and of those, 60% never seek out treatment.
Over the years, people who suffer from mental illness have become the victim of several misconceptions, including:
- Being labeled as crazy or insane
- Being made fun of or not being taken seriously
- Isolation from friends, family, & others
As society evolves, we are seeing an increased understanding and acceptance regarding mental health issues. New resources have developed with technology even allowing for online therapy as an option for anyone who needs to speak with a professional about issues they are experiencing on a frequent basis.
With an increased awareness of mental health comes an increase in expression, and our youth are rapidly becoming more vocal about their mental health issues. In fact, seeking help and recovery is quickly becoming a popular thing to do.
Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry
Celebrities and public figures are carefully watched by the rest of society. For that reason, it may come as no surprise to hear many celebrities have suffered from mental illness, and several have even lost their lives due to it. Today's celebrities are more outspoken about their mental health than ever before. Some celebrities who have spoken out include:
- J.K. Rowling, who opened up about clinical depression while writing Harry Potter
- Catherine Zeta-Jones, who battles with Bipolar II disorder
- Kourtney Kardashian, who is a proud advocate of couple's therapy
- Jennifer Lawrence, who worked to overcome social anxiety
- Gwyneth Paltrow, who helped raise awareness for postpartum depression
- Lena Dunham, who struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Elton John, who battled with addiction and bulimia
Through their ability to open up about their problems, fans and followers are able to better relate and feel more confident about their own problems. It's no surprise society is greatly influenced by its entertainers, and this is a trend that is positive for everyone.
Online Therapy
Mental illness can affect anyone – even celebrities as we just discussed. In the past, we tended to reject and misjudge those who suffered from mental health problems, solely from lack of understanding. As more people speak out about their own mental health issues, we begin to realize it's nowhere near as uncommon and/or shameful as we think.
With so many celebrities opening up about their own mental health issues and seeking treatment, you can feel inspired to find help too. Even if you're not ready to show your face at a mental health therapy and counseling center or office building, online therapy exists and is an excellent resource to provide comparable therapy to what you'd receive face-to-face.
Finding an online therapist couldn't be more simple, and now you can meet online as regularly as you like to discuss your issues and get the professional help and insight you need to get on with your life.
With the right therapist or counselor, online therapy and counseling can be incredibly beneficial and liberating -- and even if you think you don't have the time, money, or maybe your pride is getting in the way, online therapy now exists to accommodate you in every way with more convenience, less cost, and all in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
The Virtual Therapist Network has a wide range of professional online therapists who are trained and experienced in many mental health issues and can provide you the online therapy you need in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
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