BEING UNINSURABLE? –
March 25, 2024 – This high-stress environment can take a serious toll on mental health. People working in the entertainment industry are more likely to experience depression compared to the general population. Studies and sources indicate higher rates of depression among people in the entertainment industry. Anxiety, bipolar disorder and eating disorders are common. They face incredible stressors and are actually more susceptible,” said intervention specialist Dr. Louise Stanger.
Part of the stigma comes from the persistent myth that addiction and mental illness are the result of weak character and poor choices rather than complex biopsychosocial disorders. People who struggle with these issues are often seen as personally flawed and lacking self-discipline.
For celebrities, this character judgment is amplified. Because their careers depend on public appeal, they are under extra pressure to project an image of having their life under control. Seeking help is seen as an admission that they can’t handle the pressure and aren’t up to the job. There’s an attitude of “if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen” and that stars need to “toughen up” in the face of stress and high demands.
Dr. Stanger stated, “There’s still so much stigma in the entertainment industry around getting help for addiction and mental health struggles. It’s seen as a sign of weakness or that you can’t handle the pressure. But treatment is a sign of strength. It takes a lot of courage to admit you need support and prioritize your well-being. The more celebrities that are open about seeking help, the more they chip away at the stigma. They send the powerful message that it’s okay to not be okay and that recovery is possible.”
