By Jennifer McShane
16th Nov 2015
16th Nov 2015
Talking about anxiety openly is never an easy thing to do. So, when public figures decide to speak out about overcoming their struggles and try to promote awareness of the issue, we sit up and pay attention. Their words incite empathy and create conversation, which can only be deemed positive.
From Emma Stone to our own Bressie, celebrities are no longer staying silent on the issue that has a hugely debilitating effect on a person’s daily life. They walk red carpets with such grace and appear so together that it can be difficult to imagine their struggle beneath, but they are just like the rest of us when it comes to feeling fear and apprehension.
The latest figure to speak out about overcoming the anxiety that for a time, ruled her life, is pop star extraordinaire, Lady Gaga. Her confident stage persona has masked the ‘self-doubt? that was debilitating?in her formative years, but she is now happy to share her experiences in hopes of inspiring others going through similar struggles.
The singer-turned-actor has said she credits her love of her craft, and more specifically acting in the latest season of American Horror Story as the reason she has been able to curb her daily feelings of anxiety and depression.
“So what did I do? I started to say no. I’m not doing that. I don’t want to do that. I’m not taking that picture, I’m not going to that event, I’m not standing by that because that’s not what I stand for. And slowly but surely, I remembered who I am.”
“I’ve tried a lot of things, but there is something about acting that has really helped,” she said. “I’m a Stefani-Gaga hybrid, and I want you to know the real me.”
She added that although she’s still on medication, getting over the initial nervousness of filming has helped her cope. ?On my first day [I was so nervous] I threw up on the way in a bag in my Rolls-Royce. I thought it was funny, and it helped.?
What Gaga is trying to get across is that doing something outside of her comfort zone ultimately made her more comfortable in her skin and hence able to get a firm handle on her feelings. So, while we might not have a lead role in a hit TV series lined up, this is something relatable for everyone; do whatever helps you to feel more relaxed. Be it facing your fear of public speaking, joining a dance class, anything. Do whatever is right for you.
She also revealed that speaking publicly about her struggle also helped enormously. Gaga spoke at the Emotion Revolution Summit, a new initiative that partners with her Born This Way Foundation and promoted her contribution: “#IamNotJust ANXIOUS. I have depression.” The powerful caption correlates to the empowering speech given at the event in which she said that confronting her unhappiness and standing up for what she truly believed in made her feel ?whole again.?
?I have had to make decisions like?.why am I unhappy?’ I was like, well I really don’t like selling fragrances. Perfumes. I don’t like wasting my time, spending days just shaking peoples’ hands and smiling, and taking selfies. Feels shallow to my existence. I have a lot more to offer than my image. I don’t like being used to make people money. I feel sad when I’m overworked. And that I just become a money-making machine, and my passion and creativity take a backseat. That makes me unhappy.”
“So what did I do? I started to say no. I’m not doing that. I don’t want to do that. I’m not taking that picture, I’m not going to that event, I’m not standing by that because that’s not what I stand for. And slowly but surely, I remembered who I am,? she said
Her emotive words are profound and relatable for anyone trying to overcome their own personal struggles.
Via Marie Claire
Related Stories
Also Read
