Just a few days ago, I read the news about a famous Korean actress who took her own life. Well-known South Korean actress, Jeon Mi-seon, 48 years old, was found hanged in the bathroom of a hotel in Jeonju around midday local time on Saturday. According to her manager who raised the alarm after the actress went missing for 2 days, Jeon had been suffering from depression. She had been receiving treatment for her depression.
This just got me thinking. In recent years, many successful people and famous celebrities such as Anthony Bourdain, Kate Spade and Robin Williams have taken their own lives. Are successful people more likely to suffer from mental problems than the rest of us? Are they more prone to depression and bipolar disorder because of incessant media and public scrutiny?
People with illustrious careers have made a lot of sacrifices such as family and romantic relationships to be able to rise to the top. Hence, their support network is weaker than that of ordinary folks like us. The constant exposure to the public and the media also develop a tendency towards perfection and social missteps.
For most people, it is hard to open up and ask for help when they need it the most. Harmful stereotyping about mental illness is the thing that prevents people from seeking treatment or speaking out.
However, in recent years, there has been a shift in the way people view and talk about mental health. Conversations about depression, anxiety, addiction, and more have moved from the private to the public. This is an important and effective step according to mental health experts. It is especially so when public figures open up about their own mental health struggles. This can help break down stigma and even inspire people to seek treatment.
If you or anyone you know would like to seek treatment but feel uncomfortable sitting in an office face-to-face with a therapist, then you may want to check out Betterhelp, the world’s largest e-counseling platform. Online therapy can be very beneficial to many people. Those who live in rural areas or in inaccessible locations can receive the care they need at any time of the day. Patients who do not feel comfortable attending a face-to-face support group can have the chance to receive services online in the comfort and privacy of their own home.
