There has been a new wave of Youtube videos recently, and it is bursting the idealized bubble of massive stardom. Numerous Youtube celebrities have created videos that show glimpses into the darker, more realists aspects of their lives. These are not the smiling fashion photos on IG or another upbeat warm smokey eye tutorial on Youtube. These were videos of influencers looking straight into the camera and talking about their lives and mental health.
This is a massive swing in a different direction than where Youtube stars normally live. Many beauty gurus and artists on Youtube present their lives in perfectly lit studios with their full-coverage makeup looks and their designer clothes. They are upbeat and excited about makeup and their newest coloration, brand trip or house renovation. It is a life many young people try to emulate. The sheer number of new channels created daily doing makeup reviews or tutorials is staggering. Young people are mimicking their lifestyle and look, often in part due to their perfect looking lives.
What a shock then to see another side. Recently there have been videos from Jaclyn Hill, Manny MUA, Desi Perkins, and Lustrelux all sharing an aspect of their lives that are pretty shocking in comparison to what they normally show of their lives. Its about divorce, anxiety, depression, trauma, and infertility.
As a psychotherapist, I am moved to see these videos. It’s important for all, not just the highly impressionable youth, to remember that all humans are just that, human. They are flawed and imperfect. They have hard time in their relationships and with their families. They are deeply affected by online pressure, mean comments and trolls. This creates spirals into anxiety and depression. This isn’t the first time this has occurred on youtube channels. Many personalities such as Kathleen Lights and Hill have expressed their experiences with anxiety. Its exciting and important to see people in such positions be so vulnerable and honest about their mental health struggles. Its so incredible helpful to those viewers who felt so alienated and alone in their own suffering. Its been fantastic to hear about their focus on self-care, reaching out to others and talking about their mental health. You often hear the stars talk abut how nervous they are before they speak and then how relieved their feel after.
But there is something I rarely hear about on Youtube and have yet to see in a video, but can help people even more than the previous suggestions. Therapy is something everyone should experience, and especially those who struggle with mental illness. Everyone can use therapy to give time for oneself, explore their feelings, feel validated and heard.
My question to all of the Youtube influencers out there, and those who relate to them: What is stopping you from pursuing therapy? Sometimes people feel weak when they think about reaching out for help. But I find it incredible brave.
Some people worry about what they will find out in therapy. This is so common but I have yet experience this in therapy. Often patients will learn that their greatest fear is often unfounded and that the pain of everyday suffering is far more difficult than anything they discover in therapy.
Often patients worry they will feel judged for their thoughts, feelings and worries. If you feel judged by a therapist it is either not a good fit or something that needs to be discussed with the therapist. Therapy should be a collaborative process without criticism. Patients should feel validated, encouraged and safe in therapy.
Maybe you don’t even know what to talk about in therapy. Life is good on paper yet you are still unhappy, anxious, or depressed. Together with a caring therapist you can explore the parts of yourself that aren’t satisfied and identify what is causing pain.
If you are curious about therapy with me or just in general, shoot me an email. I’m happy to discuss your concerns, your hopes and fears. I’d be happy to help find you a therapist in your area.
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