Ariana Grande — Getting Honest, Real Honest
“I’ve always just been like a shiny, singing, 5–6–7–8, sexy-dance…sexy thing.” — Ariana Grande

Getting honest- really honest- can be a difficult thing to do. There’s a certain type of peace to be found in that, however, which can be a building block to wellness.
Imagine for a moment the pressure that might exist if you’re a global pop music star who also openly struggles with seemingly very personal issues.
The intensity to meet those type of expectations could be life-altering.
For Grande songwriting and performing are major outlets for finding purpose and strength in the face of life’s challenges.
Case in point?
An incredible song on her latest album ‘Sweetener’ — “Get Well Soon” — which outlines issues related to her own personal experiences with mental health.
The track is Grande’s musical description of an anxiety panic attack. The inspiration behind it is that she penned the track right after actually having one.
Powerful stuff.
According to the National Alliance On Mental Illness “41,000 people in the United States die by suicide each year.”
It’s the 2nd leading cause of death for people ages 10–24.

My goal in my own path in wellness today in speaking and advocacy is to get that number down to zero.
Zero suicides is the goal!
I’ve got the ability to reach millions of people to talk about the impact that suicide has on our society- on our world- and ultimately that’s my goal. To make it ok to talk. Even when it might not feel like it inside.
As a survivor of my own suicide attempt off the Golden Gate Bridge in 2000 I’m intimately familiar with the process of healing, regaining hope and finding purpose.
The connection with others as you rebuild yourself physically, spiritually and emotionally is so important.
For Grande, being onstage and on tour while connecting with her fans, interacting with the audience and simultaneously doing work within herself to express feelings are what can make finding wellness seem possible.
I stop to remind myself on this journey in avocacy that I’ve now lived 17 years past the day I should have died.
So how does someone with so much social and pop music pressure find her own path to wellness?
Ariana said simply that she credits therapy with helping her “deal”, saying, “I think it’s great for everybody. Especially in this regard. Therapy is the best. It really is.”
That’s a lesson that we could all stand to listen more to.
If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (1–800–273-TALK [8255]).
For more digital mental health content check out www.kevinhinesstory.com and look for us on Instagram and on YouTube!
And don’t forget you can also text CNQR to 741–741 if you’re in crisis and need support.
