It can be easy to assume that celebrities have it easy in life. Yet the reality is that they also deal with many struggles, including mental health woes. Recently, Julie Andrews opened up about these struggles, adding that going to therapy may have saved her life.
Julie Andrews Embraces Therapy
Julie Andrews opened up about the topic of mental health and going to therapy on The Colbert Show. Andrews revealed that she started therapy after her first divorce,
“Separations are inevitable, and the marriage was over, but my head was so full of clutter and garbage.”
Andrews added that film director Mike Nichols changed her perspective into wanting to go to therapy because he had been. She admitted that she considered him to be sane, funny and that he possessed a clarity that she admired,
“I wanted that for myself, as I didn’t feel I had it. So, I went and, I got into it [therapy], and it saved my life in a way.”
Celebrities and mental health awareness
By normalizing mental health struggles, celebrities are actively working to destigmatize mental health issues.
Additionally, Andrews believes that speaking about therapy may encourage others to follow her example.
Also, discussing mental health is not a taboo topic, and the more we do it, the more it becomes normalized.
What are the benefits of therapy?
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can greatly improve your quality of life. According to Healthline, talk therapy allows for open and honest dialogue on issues that cause you distress. Furthermore, with help from your therapist, you’ll work to identify and understand how these stressors are impacting your life. Moreover, you’ll also work to develop strategies to manage the symptoms.
Being in therapy can also:
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improve communication skills
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help you feel empowered
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empower you to develop fresh insights about your life
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teach you how to make healthier choices
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help you develop coping strategies to manage distress
Doing your part for mental health awareness
The reaction to Julie Andrew’s candor proves the importance of mental health awareness. As such, here are a few ways in which you can support mental health awareness:
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Firstly, I’d recommend that you take time to educate yourself about mental health conditions. By gaining knowledge on the topic, you can reduce the stigma attached to it, and will help you empathize with those who struggle.
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Share anecdotes and articles to share more information about mental health.
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Be kind and show compassion to those who face mental health struggles.
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Donate or volunteer at mental health organizations.
The bottom line
We’re in the midst of a mental health crisis, so it’s vital to make a difference in any way that you can. Julie Andrews’ decision to share her experiences is inspiring. By following in her footsteps, we may encourage others to reach out for help.
Want to know more?
Julie Andrews is not the only Brit who values therapy. Prince Harry has touched on the mental toll of losing his mother at a young age and how his wife, Meghan Markle, convinced him to start going to therapy.
My references
Lindberg, S. (2020). Benefits and Options for Therapy. Healthline. [online] 24 Oct. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-therapy. [Accessed 23 May 2024].
NewBeauty. (2024). Julie Andrews Talks Therapy: ‘It Saved My Life’. [online] Available at: https://www.newbeauty.com/julie-andrews-therapy/ [Accessed 23 May 2024].
Psychiatry Advisor. (2024). Mental Health Awareness Month: The History and Impact. [online] Available at: https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/news/mental-health-awareness-month/. [Accessed 23 May 2024].
TikTok. (2024). TikTok – Make Your Day. [online] Available at: https://www.tiktok.com/@colbertlateshow/video/7370011304116981034 [Accessed 23 May 2024].
