Twitter, Instagram and other outlets are the platforms most celebrities use to create a closer relationship with their fans. Aside from those who were actors, musicians or models before they became celebrities, there is a new kind of celebrity based first and foremost on social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram. Often, being Insta-famous comes with the obligation to act as a role model, whether or not this was the intention.
Sometimes those new to the celebrity game are quick to express opinions which they should have thought twice about – how many Tweets have you sent out which you hope no one ever looks at again? On the positive side, it’s good that some celebrities are using their platforms to post content that they have thought about carefully and that others could really learn from. Regardless of whether they are calculating about it, in the long term this can only enhance their celebrity status.
Since supermodel Naomi Campbell is known for her commitment to civil rights and social inclusion, when Theresa May recently hosted a reception for Black History Month, Campbell was bound to be on the guest list. On the night, Campbell used this opportunity to speak face-to-face with the prime minister about ‘urgent mental health issues affecting young girls in the UK’.
Shortly after her trip to Downing Street she posted a candid picture with the following caption:
‘I’ve noticed a worrying rise in mental health problems amongst young people in the UK…I was very impressed with the PM’s desire to both acknowledge and confront these shared interests of tackling race equality and mental health. I also pledged to support the PM on these issues’.
Another model setting an example is Cara Delevingne, who spoke up about her personal experience with depression and the daily struggles she faces as a result.
Musician Zayn Malik formerly of One Direction, has admitted to struggling with his mental health. He posted a heart-felt letter on Twitter and Instagram, especially for his fans, to let them know anxiety can, at times, even stop you from doing what you love most in the world. He said this after cancelling an appearance at London’s Capital Summertime Ball.
“My anxiety that has haunted me throughout the last few months around live performances has gotten the better of me… With the magnitude of the event, I have suffered the worst anxiety of my career.”
In the past Spice Girl Mel C has also suffered from depression and an eating disorder. She Tweeted her aspiration to help young people cope with their mental health problems: “I swear to take on mental illness in young people with @mqmentalhealth”. True to her word, she is currently working with a mental health charity.
Band-mate Melanie Brown also experienced depressive periods. She promises to be Brutally Honest about this in her eponymous biography which is due out later this month.
On World Mental Health Day, Zoella, the British fashion and beauty vlogger, shared a post on Instagram about her anxiety problems:
“Having therapy for my anxiety was the best thing I ever did. It’s hard work, it’s long, it’s challenging & I still have days where I feel I’m taking baby steps or falling behind, but ultimately my end goal is still there. To live a life I WANT”.
Zoella often reaches out to people going through similar experiences by sending personalised messages of support.
These celebrities have used social media to start a much-needed conversation about mental health. But there is more for them to do. How effective it would be if they transferred their vulnerable side from the online world to the real world! Celebrities should consider touring schools, hospitals and youth clubs – not for a paid appearance. Taking the time out to do this up front instead of behind a screen, could prevent people ranting online about celebrities, just to get yet another “like”.
https://twitter.com/caradelevingne/status/715699196544880640
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaFDj18gCHb/?hl=it
https://twitter.com/melaniecmusic/status/821313236163293184
http://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/31531/1/zayn-malik-opens-up-about-his-mental-health
