Although in the past, discussing mental health issues in a public forum was frowned upon – as if one should be embarrassed of their daily struggle. Over the last several years, stars including J. Cole, Tweet, Kendrick Lamar, and most recently Angel Haze have embraced the issue, changing the way we view depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, among other mental illnesses.
READ: Black Boys, Suicide & Shame: What Can The Village Do?
According to the National Institute of Mental Illness, 20% of youth ages 13 to 18 suffer from severe mental illness. In fact, Mental Health America reports that depression in teens is increasing at an “alarming” rate. Fortunately for our youth, stars are stepping up to the plate, opening up about their battles with mental illness, proving it can affect anyone.
In a 2014 column for Noisey, Hazel revealed that she lived with an eating disorder as a teen.
“Growing up, I had an eating disorder. For years I just wouldn’t eat. I couldn’t speak to my parents about it. I tried, but they basically said, “this is too f—–g much, if you want to act like an arsehole we’ll send you away and they’ll force feed you through a f—–g tube and we’ll see how you like not eating when you come back home.”
She continued, revealing the trigger for her disorder was a reaction to the pain inflicted on her by others. “Mental health problems are like a stain, once they happen in your life you’re scarred by it forever. You have to wake up every single day and make the decision to be better, and that’s not easy.”
“It took me a long time to understand that life hurts enough, people hurt you enough, you don’t need to hurt yourself. You have to make the decision to take care of yourself. I know I sound a bit like a motivational speaker when I say sh*t like that but sometimes that’s what it takes.”
The rapper went on to call teenage depression an “epidemic.”
“Teenage depression is becoming an epidemic. So many fans have written to me about self-harming and anorexia. Read the Twitters read the Tumblrs, see the messed up thoughts that go on in this generation.”
As for the solution, Haze suggests parents stop referring to stars like Justin Bieber as role models, when in fact, they have the power of influence. Parents have to be accountable.
“That’s why I hate when parents say Justin Bieber is a role model for their children. They get angry at him for behaving the way he does because their kids like him. But they ignore what their kids are actually doing. Parents: you control your child, you’re the person who enforces the rules in your house. You have to coach your child, steer them in the right direction and help them get stronger. Parents shouldn’t reprimand someone for having an illness.”
Meanwhile, Haze revealed that while she’s on the mend, every day is a battle. “I haven’t starved myself for years now, and although I have ups and downs, it’s not as bad as it was. I didn’t get better because I’m famous, I got better because I got help and started to learn how to be happy. I just want others to do the same.”
Fortunately for those struggling with any mental illness, there’s OpEds like Haze’s that are a friendly reminder that you’re not alone. Of course, if you or someone you know is considering suicide, let someone you trust know. Most likely, they won’t judge you or think less of you — they’ll just want to help.
*National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
