Gabby Douglas is the latest celebrity to announce that she is taking a break from social media to focus on her mental health. The 3x gold medal gymnast wrote an extensive message on social media that gave fans insight into what she’s been dealing with over the course of her journey.
“I know i don’t post a lot on social media, but i just wanted to let you guys know that i will be taking a step back from the socials to work on myself and focus on my mental health,” she began.
“My life has never been smooth or easy. I have carried a heavy weight on my back for quite some time and it has weighed me down, physically, mentally, and emotionally, so many things and people have tried to crush and break me. I no longer want to run but fight and heal. I refuse to be defeated by this weight, i refuse to be hardened by this weight. I want to feel light and happy again.”
She concluded her message by saying, “I want to be the best representation for all of you and be the best version of myself. I love you all so much and i am forever grateful for every single one of you. Your love and support does not go unnoticed. Don’t forget to take some time off for yourself.
Taking a mental health break is important as it is a way to recharge and not burn out. There are several ways to take a mental health break. See them below:
Daily Breaks
Sometimes work, family and other daily obligations can stress us out and we need a mental break. However, taking a week or even a weekend-long vacation isn’t always feasible but you can have moments to yourself. If you’re working, you can take 5-10 minutes and step away from your computer or your workstation and walk around, eat a snack, catch up with others or take in some sun rays. You can even use that time to meditate, relax or do something creative such as writing or drawing. Ten minutes later, you are recharged and ready to get back to the task at hand. Your brain and your body will thank you.
Vacation
For those who can take an extended break, don’t hesitate to use those vacation days you let stack up at your job. We have vacations for a reason. It’s okay to let your hair down and relax on a beach in the Caribbean Islands or finally go backpacking in Europe. If you can’t travel too far away, check out some cool things to do in your city or a city close by. If the mountains aren’t too far from you, try the cabin life or take skiing lessons. If you rather stay close to home, explore everything your city has to offer such as brunch places, trails, or tourist attractions.
Stepping Away from Social Media
Lastly, you can take a cue from Gabby and take a break from social media. Social media users know that while it can be used for good, there is also a downside. From online drama to falling victim to comparing your life and your body to others, social media can be a cesspool of negativity. While many of us need social media for work, personal branding, and just entertaining purposes, it is okay to take a break from it every now and then and enjoy the physical world around you.
Try going one day without using social media. If you can achieve that, then try a week next. If you’re not able to completely stop using social media, try limiting your daily use. Maybe you only regulate yourself to using social media 1-2 hours a day or you make it a habit not to get on social media before 11 a.m and after 11 p.m. Make it work for you.
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I had the chance to sit down with the film’s director, Mark Anthony Green, to talk about what inspired this gripping story, how Ayo Edebiri brought something unexpected to the role, and what it was like creating such an immersive world. From cult-like devotion to the dark side of fame, Opus doesn’t just entertain—it makes you think. And according to Mark, that’s exactly the point.
"Best Time Ever"
Opus Movie Screening
Photo by Eric Charbonneau/A24 via Getty Images
Right off the bat, I asked Mark Anthony Green to sum up Opus in just three words. His answer? "Best time ever." Which, if you've seen the trailer, might sound a little ironic considering how intense the film is. But Mark laughed at my skepticism and added, "A little skepticism keeps us all safe."
And honestly, after watching the movie, I might be side-eyeing any future press trips myself.
The Inspiration Behind the Madness
With Opus tackling themes like power, isolation, and the cult of celebrity, I had to know—what sparked the idea for this film?
“There’s this thing I’ve been seeing, and that I think we all have been seeing—how tribalism and idolizing certain figures has become part of people’s identities,” Mark explains. “It’s pushed us away from each other, and it’s become more divisive. I started writing this film six years ago because of that. And, you know, sometimes when you work on a movie for that long, the thing you were grappling with becomes less relevant. But this? This has only become a bigger problem.”
And yet, Mark made one thing clear—while Opus has plenty of social commentary woven into it, the priority was making a wild, entertaining ride. "You described the film as wild, and that’s the highest compliment to me," he says. "I wanted it to be fun, and I wanted people to walk away talking about it."
Ayo Edebiri Like You’ve Never Seen Her Before
Ayo Edebiri
Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Ayo Edebiri is best known for her comedic chops, but Opus throws her into a completely different arena. So, what made her the perfect choice for this dark, gripping role?
“The great thing about a talented actor like Ayo is they live for being uncomfortable and being challenged,” Mark says. “And Ayo is one of the most talented amongst the talented. People like that, they don’t shy away from something different—they run toward it.”
Mark couldn’t stop raving about her performance, admitting that even after seeing the film “two trillion times,” he still catches new details in her acting. "She makes these weird, brilliant choices, and I’m still in awe of what she did in this film," he says.
And beyond her skill? Mark just loves everything about her. “She’s gorgeous, she’s original, she’s always in a scene, even if it’s not her moment. I love her skin complexion, her background, her sense of humor. I started out as a fan, and now I’m her biggest fan.”
The Cult-Like Energy and Twisted Twists
Opus has a heavy psychological thriller vibe, with a mysterious, cult-like energy running through it. I asked Mark if any real-life events or films inspired its eerie tone.
His answer? “We recorded John Malkovich, The-Dream, and Nile Rodgers in a Boston studio before filming even started. That was the first moment this whole experiment really felt real. John hit a note, and everyone in the room just kind of looked around like, ‘Holy sh*t.’ It was electric. That alchemy of talent coming together—I’ll never forget it.”
And as for those jaw-dropping twists? Mark was very intentional about keeping the audience on edge. “I wanted every scene to make you question what’s real and what’s not,” he says. “If you think you know what’s going to happen, you’re wrong.”
A Fast and Furious Filmmaking Process
For such a visually stunning and layered film, you’d think Opus had a massive budget and months of shooting time. Nope.
“We shot for 19 days,” Mark reveals. “Which is nothing.”
And yet, the film doesn’t feel rushed at all. That’s thanks to an all-star crew, from the cinematographer to the costume designer. “We didn’t have an excess of resources, but we had incredibly talented people who overdelivered,” he says. “The film has a gravitas that our budget doesn’t reflect, and I’m so proud of that.”
Shoutout to the hair and makeup team, too—because Ayo’s hair was laid flawlessly the entire time. “And that’s not easy when you’re shooting out of order and on such a tight schedule,” Mark laughs. “It was an insane puzzle, but the crew made it work.”
Go See "Opus"—Like, Right Now
If you love thrillers that keep you guessing, Opus is a must-watch. It’s smart, stylish, and just unsettling enough to stick with you long after the credits roll. Plus, Ayo Edebiri in a leading thriller role? We need more of this.
So, consider this your official announcement: Grab your friends, your popcorn, and maybe a nightlight—because Opus is in theaters now, and you don’t want to miss it.
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Feature image by Eric Charbonneau/A24 via Getty Images