It’s okay to be vulnerable
Celebrities open up in candid documentaries about mental health struggles
By : Chokita Paul
Update: 2024-05-27 20:31 GMT
Celine Dion is ready to open up about her journey. The renowned singer, who has been absent from the public eye due to health issues, is now featured in a new documentary by Amazon MGM Studios. Titled I Am: Celine Dion, the piece provides an in-depth look at her life with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).
“I was diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder, and I wasn’t ready to talk about it before,” she mentions in the trailer. “But I’m ready now.”
When the documentary was announced in January 2024, Dion shared, “The past few years have been extremely difficult for me, from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it without letting it define who I am. As I continue on the path to returning to my performing career, I realize how much I miss my fans. During my time away, I decided to document this chapter of my life to raise awareness about this rare condition and help others who have been diagnosed.”
SPS is a rare neurological disorder characterised by muscle stiffness and increased sensitivity to noise, touch, and emotional stress, which can cause muscle spasms, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. These symptoms can make it difficult to walk or carry out everyday activities.
Dion publicly disclosed her condition in December 2022. In a now-deleted Instagram video, she shared the news of her diagnosis and explained that she had to cancel the rest of her world tour. Documentaries featuring celebrities discussing their mental health challenges have become a genre of their own.
Robbie Williams
In his new self-titled documentary, English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams opens up about his mental health struggles, tracing back to his rise to fame as a member of his pop group Take That at 16. The four-part series showcases previously unseen archival footage of Williams, highlighting both the peaks and valleys of his career, as well as his battles with drugs and alcohol. Williams describes the experience of watching this archival footage as ‘traumatic’ at times.
Imagine Dragons
Dan Reynolds, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons, has been candid about his ongoing battle with depression and the crucial role therapy plays in managing his mental health. In various interviews and public statements, Reynolds has shared his journey, shedding light on the often hidden struggles that accompany even the most successful careers in the music industry.
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran has enjoyed an immensely successful career, boasting 14 number-one hits and five studio albums. However, his journey has had its challenges, as revealed in his upcoming documentary The Sum of It All, which premiered two days before the release of his new album, Subtract. The four-part docuseries delves into how an ‘unlikely child with a stutter’ rose to become a global music superstar and how his life experiences have influenced his music.
Lewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi’s journey from serving drinks on a transatlantic flight to appearing in his underwear on a billboard has solidified his status as the music industry’s beloved prankster. In his Netflix documentary, How I’m Feeling Now, Capaldi’s trademark wit and willingness to go to extremes for a laugh are front and centre. However, amidst the humour, he also bravely opens up about his Tourette’s diagnosis and struggles with imposter syndrome — a decision he didn’t take lightly. With a wry smile, he acknowledges, “I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but people can be rather unpleasant.”
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez released her documentary My Mind and Me to detail her mental health struggles, which worsened as her fame grew. The film provides an intimate look at her battles with anxiety, depression, and the pressures of public life, as well as her lupus diagnosis. Through candid footage and personal insights, Gomez aims to raise awareness about mental health and encourage others to seek support. The documentary highlights her resilience and ongoing journey toward healing and self-acceptance.
For any repair to happen at the mental health level, we need to acknowledge that it exists. Acknowledgement leads to awareness. When someone becomes vulnerable, it lays the groundwork to feel, process, and integrate their emotions. When celebrities open up and free themselves from shame shackles, the repair work already begins on itself. It has a model effect, as their life philosophies are emulated by their followers. Them sharing their struggles makes it normal for many.” — Sonnal Pardiwala, Counselling Psychologist and Certified Life Coach