Inhale. Exhale.
Are you (or anyone you know) struggling with something from the above word cloud? You are not alone. It’s okay to reach out and talk to someone – a friend, family member, mentor or a professional. You might have heard the saying that when “I” is replaced by “we” even illness becomes wellness.
So let’s work to de-stigmatize many of the misconceptions and stigma associated with talking to a professional in either counselling or therapy. When you see a counsellor, you are in a safe, confidential, healthy environment where you can identify and explore issues that may be negatively affecting your overall well-being and success. Here are three famous females who have opened up about getting professional support to improve their mental health.
1. Jennifer Garner
After her divorce from actor Scott Foley in 2003, actress Jennifer Garner gained self-awareness and acceptance through therapy. If you’ve struggling with moving on after a breakup, talking to someone can help you cope with these feelings.
In a 2010 interview with Parade magazine, Garner says, “It was a huge heartbreak for me to have something fail like that. I knew that this was either an opportunity for growth or I would sink….It’s easy when you’re hurt and angry to just say, ‘Oh, it’s them,’” she continues. “But I had to come into my own. I thought, ‘Why did this relationship not work? What part of the failure is my responsibility?’ So I went to work on it. I started therapy.”
2. Halle Berry
Actress Halle Berry has spoken out numerous times about the importance of self-care and how therapy has positively impacted her life for almost 30 years. You are never too old or too young to talk to someone about how you are feeling or what you are experiencing.
In a 2011 interview with Ebony magazine and a 2013 with Daily Mail Halle said: ‘I’ve done therapy on an as-needed basis since I was probably 10 years old. My father was an alcoholic and a very abusive one, and my mother knew the value of providing me with the outlet of an unbiased person to talk to, so I’ve done that all my life when times get stressful. It really helps me deal with stuff. People still associate therapy with being crazy. But I think you’re crazy if you won’t consider going to get help for yourself—to learn the tools to deal with the problems in your life. Once people see what it is and what it’s not, they race to go back. They get the benefit. But it’s hard to get people to the first session because of fear.”
5. Nicole Scherzinger
Nicole Scherzinger, is a former member of the Pussycat Dolls and X Factor judge. In a 2014 interview with NOW Magazine she shared that her support system consists of a pastor, therapist and life coach who provide counselling when she is feeling unsure in life.
“It feels weird and invasive at first but then you just frickin’ talk about yourself so much, they’re probably going to be rolling their eyes.” she revealed. “It’s good to get it out, get your thoughts and your boxes in line and become aware, aware of our patterns, our bad habits. Once you’re aware, then you can grow and move forward and not make the same stupid mistakes as before. If you don’t get it out, then those demons will just sit inside you and infest. It seals off your life. You want to be a better person, you want to grow. You want to have a better life, to have purpose and not be afraid to go after your dreams and to be the best… I’m a work in progress.”
Inhale. Exhale. You are not alone. York offers Personal Counselling Services among the many mental health and well-being support and resources available on campus.
Post-secondary students in Ontario can also call Good 2 Talk (1-866-925-5454) a free, confidential and anonymous helpline where you can talk to a professional counsellor about any issue, big or small, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Image Sources:
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