Celebrity News
"Depression has no face" is a common saying used to describe the mental illness.
The phrase highlights that anyone could suffer from depression, even those who appear outwardly happy and smiling. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 280 million people globally suffer from depression, of which 5% are adults.
Numerous notable figures within the entertainment industry have shared the importance of caring for one's mental health and seeking proper resources like therapy as a way to destigmatize the subject and let fans know they are not alone. Among them is rapper Big Sean, who has openly discussed his own experiences overcoming depression.
Another person who has stepped forward to share their experience is singer and actress Chloe Bailey. In an interview with PopSugar, the 25-year-old recounts the darkest period in her life and how her community of family and friends helped her overcome it.
Chloe On Her Mental Health
In the discussion, Bailey revealed that her mental state took a plunge around the time she was promoting her debut solo album, In Pieces.
The "Treat Me" vocalist shared that her depression stemmed from being hurt by people she trusted and that her close friends and family intervened when they noticed it worsening.
“I was using music as my therapy. I wasn't too honest about my mental state and health at the time to a lot of people. Even when I started doing press for In Pieces, I'd have close friends and family send me clips of interviews being like, ‘I had no idea.’ Usually, that is what happens people see you smiling all the time and it seems as if everything's okay in the world — it isn't, but you're the best at hiding it,” she said.
Bailey also explained that she didn't talk about her struggles sooner because she felt they would be evident in her music.
“And I didn't want to use mental health as a selling point for the album, it wasn't about marketing,” she said. “But I was like, if I'm being so honest in this music and lyrically, you'll be able to hear exactly what I'm going through. I might as well take it one little step further and connect the dots for people who would already be assuming what I was going through, based on the lyrics.”
Further in the conversation, Bailey disclosed that, along with support from her community, her godmother had played a key role in helping her overcome depression.
“Not to sound too dark or to go back to that place, because I'm out of it now, but going through those experiences always feels so lonely and isolating. Without my godmother, I probably wouldn't be here right now. She definitely reminded me of my strength and my beauty as a human and what I can contribute to this world. That's why I stick to her like glue, because at a time when I was so scared to share how I was feeling and what I was going through, she saw it in me and cared enough to help me get out of it,” she said.
Chloe On How Others Can Conquer Depression
Toward the end of the interview, the "Boy Bye” singer encouraged those battling depression to stay present and utilize available resources and shared a quote that helps her through difficult times.
“It's so important to take it day by day. Don't try to think about next week or next month, just make sure you can make it through the day. And don't be afraid to use resources around you, whether it's therapy or a hobby. You don't have to hold the weight of the world on your own,” she said. “Looking back at that time, I'm really, really proud of myself. I'm a Cancer and I'm really sensitive, but when I look back at things that I've pulled myself out of, I realize how strong of a human being that I am. I'm such a strong woman. One of my favorite phrases that my godmom says is, ‘Those stones that people throw at you, use them to build your bridge.’ So that's what I do.”
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