The Cultures Battle With Mental Health
Statistics show that 1 in 4 people will experience a type of mental health problem every year. Once seen as an elusive disorder associated with the most extreme cases, society’s consensus around the stigma of mental health has started to shift.
Like Biggie’s eerie exchange on ‘Suicidal Thoughts’, artists have continued to channel their vices. A reflection of reality, music movements such as ‘Emo Rap’ pioneered by the likes of Lil Peep and XXXTentacion prior to their untimely deaths, cite mental health as a focus. Artists such as Kid Cudi and Kanye West have both been vocal about their battles, with the former being admitted into rehab in 2016, “It’s like my life was like this show and I was always supposed to be on. But when the show was over, I was completely miserable.” In 2018 Ye and Cudi formed the duo ‘Kids See Ghosts’ with mental health as the core theme through their eponymous collaborative project.
Releasing his biopic ‘Honey Boy’, Shia LaBeouf provided an insight into the pressures of life as a child actor, the turbulent relationship between him and his father, and the effect it has had on his adult mental health. Comedians such as the late Robin Williams and Jim Carey have spoken out on the damaging effects depression can have, proving that the happiest appearing entertainers are often battling in silence.
As connectivity provides us with unrestricted access into stranger’s lives, the ability to voice opinions on demand has blurred the line between free and hate speech. Cancel culture and the pressures to appear flawless have had a detrimental effect on both the documenter and consumer and the accumulation of wealth at the top end of society, along with decades of non-inclusivity have created a feeling of inner-dissatisfaction.
Socio-economic disparity has made it difficult for people to seek help, presenting a false narrative that financial stability and indulgence is an adequate coping mechanism. But white middle-class males are one of the most privileged groups in society, and statistically are more likely to commit suicide than POC and women who are prone to living with mental health.
Written by Ali Twice for @originalshift
