There’s a reason Adele’s heart-wrenching ballads strike a chord. The singer and songwriter intimately understands the emotions that she sings about because she has lived them. Moreover, she is not afraid to express them.
For example, “Easy On Me” is based on the 15-time Grammy winner’s divorce from ex-husband Simon Konecki. During one of her “Weekends with Adele” Las Vegas residency concerts at the Caesars Palace, Adele revealed that she’s been seeing a therapist and that she was “basically doing five therapy sessions a day” during her separation. This moment of vulnerability was a powerful way to break mental health stigmas.
“Adele opening up and speaking about her mental health is courageous, and admirable. Having a platform is a responsibility. It’s an opportunity to be a voice for those that do not have one and that is exactly what she did. By speaking up and sharing her experience, she is not only breaking stigmas, but also breaking down barriers about mental health,” says Keresse Thompson, LCSW, licensed clinical social worker and host of The Diary of An Empath podcast.
How Adele’s Decision To Open Up Helps Others
Thankfully, attitudes about mental health are evolving, partly because of celebrities like Adele using their platform to keep raising awareness about mental health struggles. That said, many people still see mental illness as a weakness and there are still barriers to overcome on that front. It was only a generation ago that people were horrified at the very mention of seeing a therapist.
“We grew up with parents from a previous generation that did not speak about mental health, it was something that you did not talk about – a taboo subject. As we go to this new generation, mental health is now being celebrated. But moreso because people such as Adele are utilizing their platform to talk about the most vulnerable sides of themselves,” adds Thompson.
According to her, when people with a big platform open up about their own mental health journey, it gives their fans the opportunity to see that they are not alone and that someone powerful that they look up to is also going through similar challenges: “It makes us remember that we are human, experiencing human experiences. We are not broken, we just need to be heard and validated, and, more importantly, understood.”
A Powerful Reminder If You Are Struggling With Mental Health
If you are currently struggling with your mental health or experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, Adele’s revelation is a reminder that there is nothing wrong with seeking help. “Everyone’s coping mechanisms are different, and the way that we react will be subjective and individualized. One person’s experience is another person’s trauma,” says Thompson.
For that reason, you’ll want to be mindful of not beating yourself up for struggling or comparing your problems to others. If even celebrities with tons of privilege can experience mental health lows, it’s because your mental well-being is not static. Having ups and downs is part of the human experience regardless of your background or situation.
As Thompson puts it, it’s important to set judgment aside and understand that everyone has a unique experience and unique reactions. “Mental health struggles are a normal part of life, but it’s also important to seek help when needed whether it’s from a professional or a support system. Be kind to yourself and others,” she says.
Adele sure set a good example by being vulnerable and normalizing therapy. Find the courage to take that first step and seek support.
