For far too long, topics relating to depression, mood disorders, and anxiety have been labeled taboo. It’s time to tear off the veil of secrecy surrounding mental health issues.
Sadly, those who were brave enough to come forward with their mental health struggles were frequently stigmatized by society at large. As a result of this intense, unwarranted judgment, many individuals felt there was no choice but to keep their disorders a secret.
With the passage of time, we’ve seen a turn of the tides in the US surrounding topics relating to mental illness. Now that research sheds light on how common these issues are, many people are encouraged to speak out about them. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 individuals in the US struggle with issues relating to mental health.
Celebrities open up about mental health issues
For decades, mega-stars did their best to present only the most polished and sparkling versions of themselves and even give off an aura of mystery.
But nowadays, many celebrities are opening up to fans about their mental health struggles. Consumers of pop culture seem hungry for shared stories and experiences that are transparent and relatable rather than glamorized perfection. This cultural shift permits movie stars and pop sensations to get real with the world about personal issues that are far from picture-perfect.
Eliminating the stigma associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more
When megastars get vulnerable and share about their behavioral health issues, individuals who are battling with mental illness feel seen. Knowing that their favorite actors and musicians also deal with anxiety, OCD, and depression can help so many people feel less alone.
And, fans can feel less ashamed about their own personal struggles when the people they look up to face similar obstacles.
If Selena Gomez can release an entire documentary about her experiences with bipolar disorder, it takes a weight off of people’s shoulders. If Megan The Stallion can shamelessly drop a track called “Anxiety,” fans can feel a sense of validation for their emotions. There’s something so comforting about knowing these mega-stars really are “just like us.”
But are these celebrities oversharing about their mental health?
Are Celebrities too candid with fans?
Not everyone is on board with this newfound transparency. On the other hand, a growing number of pop culture consumers think these celebs’ first-world issues have no relation to real-world problems and leave them totally out of touch.
Considering how wealthy most A-list stars are…some are convinced that celebrities will never understand the tribulations that lower and middle-class people face. As a result, some argue that celebrities have resources and access to things most of us could never dream of so they should have less mental stress.
Back in 2022, Bella Hadid was famously dragged when a resurfaced clip featured her crying when she couldn’t have a designer bag.
Of course, we’re all aware that Kendall Jenner has faced years of criticism for using her platform to talk about her crippling anxiety,
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“There is going to be those people that say, ‘Oh, OK, what does she have to worry about? What does she have to be anxious about?” the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star said in an interview with Vogue.
While Jenner goes on to acknowledge her privilege, she also says that fame doesn’t automatically preclude her troubles with mental illness. The reality star adds, “I’m still a human being at the end of the day.”
And let’s not forget during the height of the pandemic, when A-listers were brutally attacked online for complaining about being stuck inside their homes despite living in million-dollar mansions. In this instance, the masses were not so quick to sympathize with celebrities’ complaints.
When Ellen Degeneres whined about being unable to go outside during the pandemic and compared it to “being in jail,” the general public called her out.
Sophie Turner and other celebrities use their platform to advocate for mental health
But the notion that celebrities are out of touch when it comes to their first-world struggles is only half the argument.
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan stirred the pot when he suggested many celebrities “fake” mental health issues in an effort to boost their careers. “Sadly, I know a lot of well-known people (not The Rock) who’ve jumped on the ‘victimhood’ bandwagon to get positive publicity for themselves,” the controversial figure tweeted in 2019. “They do those with genuine mental illness a great disservice.”
His controversial take was met with a wave of backlash from celebs and the general public alike. Game of Thrones superstar Sophie Turner, who is an avid advocate of mental health, clapped back at the Good Morning Britain host.
She responded in a heated tweet, saying, "Or maybe they have a platform to speak out about it and help get rid of the stigma of mental illness, which affects 1 in 4 people in the UK per year. But please go ahead and shun them back into silence.”
Sophie Turner via Twitter
There seems to be a divide over how people feel about celebrities sharing intimate details regarding their mental health affairs. Whether you believe stars are splattering personal concerns all over social media simply to remain relevant or if you genuinely think they do a terrific job destigmatizing mental health problems is entirely up to you.
Personally, I love it when people like Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande reveal their struggles with depression and anxiety because it makes me feel less sensitive and ashamed about my own inner frailties. And I feel less alone.
The way I see it, when someone like Kendall Jenner gets brutally honest about her journey with crippling anxiety, it creates a sense of unity for everyone out there who is dealing with the same thing. Kendall, along with a slew of other celebrities, leverages her platform to build a fervent discourse on topics that have been swept under the rug for far too long.
Black-Owned CBD Brands You Need to Know
We're profiling POC-owned CBD brands that are making a splash in the industry and improving their communities at the same time.
Despite the CBD boom and the recent moves towards decriminalization and legalization all over the US, people of color haven't benefited as much as they should have. In the US, 80%-90% of cannabis businesses are led by white people; while at the same time, people of color are much more likely to suffer the brunt of criminalization.
According to the ACLU, Black people in the US are 3.73 times more likely to be arrested for simple possession than a white person, despite the fact that usage rates are about the same across the demographics. Even before arrest, interaction with police can often prove fatal, as the still ongoing Black Lives Matter protests remind us.
The Importance of Supporting POC-Owned CBD Companies
Running a CBD business is hard work, especially for people of color who are less likely to get the same amount of connections and access to funding.
"We don't get the same financial support due to the red tape that still exists over our industry," explains Almaz Adeigbola, the co-founder of Brwnbox in New Jersey. "It is hard to promote and we run on the support of our community and nothing else. Minority-owned businesses are made up of people that are the foundation of our social structure and we should always prioritize their needs and support them so that they can continue to provide their services."
Despite being dealt a tough hand, there are still many incredible CBD businesses and brands owned and led by people of color. Their work often positively impacts the communities they work in and helps to counter the ill effects of structural racism.
"We believe supporting businesses owned by people of color is important for a community to grow and thrive," says Alexzandra Denis of Avalah Skincare in Brooklyn. "The variety of culture, foods, ideas, and ingenuity brought into the neighborhoods these businesses operate in, not only teaches people about different cultures but allows for conversations that can break down the walls of racism, poverty, stereotypes, and inequality."
Today, we're profiling some of our favorite POC-owned CBD brands from all over the country that are making a splash in the industry.
Unoia
Products: CBD honey, oils, topicals, and pet treats
Based in: Atlanta, Georgia
Founded by Brande Elise and Danielle Gray, Unoia is a cheerful brand with a holistic portfolio.
"We're focused on how CBD assists with mental health, mindfulness, and self-care. CBD is not the answer, rather one of the many ways to help us achieve ongoing mental wellness," explains Gray.
Their products are all organic, and we love how accessible they make their Certificates of Analysis. Their honey and agave packs are absolutely delicious, but we're waiting for them to make a human-version of their CBD peanut butter pet treats!
Brwnbox
Products: CBD flower, pre-rolls, tinctures, topicals, and more
Based in: Orange, New Jersey
Brwnbox is a one-stop-shop for all of your CBD needs! "We hope to insert ourselves into a client's daily routine with products such as anxiety and pain-relieving tinctures, gummies great for sleep, honey for the tea drinker, and non-psychoactive flower for smokers," explains co-founder Almaz Adeigbola.
They focus on the wellness experience of their clients and have adapted to the current climate with curbside pickup. Fear not if you're not in New Jersey, because they also offer delivery all over the US. They source their ethically-grown hemp from Colorado.
Avalah
Products: Natural skin and haircare, CBD-infused body oils
Based in: Brooklyn, New York
Avalah's all-natural products are perfect for re-creating the spa experience at home because they are made with sumptuous plant oils and fragrant essential oils. They have a large line of body oils infused with CBD, and with 1200 mg per 8 oz, they really pack a punch. They also carry non-CBD cosmetics and beard care products. The scent profiles are particularly well-chosen, so they're the perfect brand for the aromatherapy fanatic.
Brown Girl Jane
Products: CBD tinctures, oils, and skincare
Based in: Washington, D.C.
Owned and operated by sister duo Malaika and Nia Jones, as well as wellness expert Tai Beauchamp, Brown Girl Jane is a CBD business that centers the wellness of women of color. Their range of offerings is well-curated, including tinctures with varying CBD strengths, an intimate oil, and skincare. The brand's website also serves as a platform, with a blog and a bi-weekly chat on IG Live.
Rewind by Rodney Wallace
Products: CBD Isolate oils, edibles, soft gels, topicals, and pet chews
Based in: New York
"As someone who has faced adversity, we ensure that every move we make is inclusive," co-founder Rodney Wallance explains about Rewind. "The only way we can all truly be successful is by celebrating other people's wins. By supporting us it means you are an advocate for change and justice. This translates into the world moving in the right direction, which is how humanity can achieve greatness."
The Costa Rican footballer launched his own line of CBD-isolate products after noticing that the full-spectrum products he was taking to deal with pain were clouding his mind. Though made with athletes in mind, the range is comprehensive with products for the entire family!
Homebody
Products: CBD bath soaks
Based in: Apple Valley, California
Homebody makes the prettiest CBD bath soaks we've ever seen, with fantastic skin-loving ingredients and a touch of mica that turns your bath iridescent. The products are all made in small batches, so wait times on shipments are sometimes a little long. Trust us, though - it's worth it!
EngErotics
Products: Intimate CBD body care, intimate devices
Based in: Denver, Colorado
Founded by structural engineer Raven Faber, EngErotics is a brand that knows that CBD can enhance pleasure and relaxation. EngErotics CBD body products can be used in conjunction with the intimate devices they carry, for the best kind of alone time.
Satan's Breath Hot Sauce
Products: CBD-infused hot sauces
Based in: Charlotte, North Carolina
We never would have considered the combination of CBD and hot sauce if it wasn't for Satan's Breath owner and chef, Paul Booker. Your mouth might burn, but the rest of you will feel blissfully calm, thanks to the 50 mg of CBD in each jar of hot sauce. Flavors include the original, Jamaican Mango, Habanero Pineapple, and Sweet Heat.