World Mental Health Day is October 10 and as our collective mental health crisis continues to escalate, members of the entertainment and media community are commemorating the day by speaking out, hosting events and sharing resources.
More than 50 million American adults, or 21% of the population, are experiencing a mental illness, according to Mental Health America’s “The State of Mental Health In America” 2023 report. The number is up 2% from last year’s survey. Additionally, 16% of youth report suffering from at least one major depressive episode in the past year and more than 2.7 million youth are experiencing severe major depression.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2022 nearly 50,000 people died by suicide in the U.S., an increase of about 2.6% from the prior year, and suicide is now the second leading cause of death in the U.S. for people aged 10-34. Disadvantaged communities including racial and ethnic minorities, people who identify as LGBTQ+, those who live in rural areas and older people are disproportionately impacted.
Here’s how some of A-listers are stepping up to shine a light on mental healthcare:
· Selena Gomez, one of Hollywood’s most vocal proponents for elevating mental wellness, is hosting the inaugural Rare Impact Fund Benefit on October 4 in Los Angeles. Talent for the gala and auction include Gomez’s “Only Murders in the Building” co-star Martin Short, multi-Grammy-winning music artist H.E.R. and Grammy-nominated music producer Marshmello.
Funds raised will support The Rare Impact Fund’s mission to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and expand access to mental health services and education for young people. “There is nothing more important to me than getting young people access to the resources that they need to support their mental health,” said Gomez. “This is a personal mission.”
· Rapper Megan Thee Stallion is encouraging young people to check on their friends and talk to them about their mental health as part of a new public service announcement from Seize the Awkward in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Jed Foundation.
“I’ve always been told I’ve gotta be strong,” she said in a video for the campaign. “But to be everything for everybody, it wears on you… Reach out to a friend if you see them going through it. No matter who you are, being vulnerable is what makes us whole.” A portion of the artist’s website also curates a variety of mental health resources.
· Radio host and television personality Charlamagne Tha God, his organization the Mental Wealth Alliance and iHeartMedia
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“The Mental Wealth Expo was created for anyone who knows they need to start on their healing journey, but don’t know the first place to begin,” Charlamagne Tha God said. “It’s a day for folks to get exposed to mental health experts and resources that can get them on the right path and they get to receive this information for free! It is truly a blessing to be able to do this for a third consecutive year.”
· Ryan Reynolds will receive the Robin Williams Legacy of Laughter Award at the 11th annual Bring Change to Mind Gala on Monday, October 9 in New York. BC2M is the mental health-focused nonprofit founded by Glenn Close. The program will also include performances by Reba McEntire and Amy Schumer, and an auction with items including a garden tour by Ina Garten and a guitar signed by Taylor Swift.
· Millennial- and Gen Z-driven mental health tech nonprofit Project Healthy Minds is hosting its second annual World Mental Health Day Festival on October 10 in New York. “Today” co-anchor and “The Voice” host Carson Daly, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, “CNN This Morning” anchor Poppy Harlow, former deputy attorney general Sally Yates, former senior advisor to President Obama David Axelrod, and Indianapolis Colts owner and vice chair Kalen Irsay Jackson are among speakers. The fest will also Include SoulCycle benefit rides, sound bath meditation experiences and a community jog. The festival will be followed by a gala headlined by Logic, the Grammy-nominated hip-hop star whose hit single “1-800-273-8255” references the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
“When I first spoke out publicly about my generalized anxiety and panic disorder on the ‘Today’ show in March of 2018, I hoped for the day when everyone could honestly talk about their mental health experiences, including celebrities, business leaders and public figures. It’s a shared universal experience,” said Daly.
· Music events startup company Sofar Sounds is partnering with Nettwerk Music Group for a series of concerts in select cities dedicated to mental health advocacy and awareness. Artists in Austin, LA, London, New York, Portland, Toronto and Vancouver will participate and bring awareness to the healing properties of music during their shows. Nettwerk Artists including Lily Kershaw, The Collection and Six Missing will perform. A portion of ticket proceeds will go to To Write Love on Her Arms, a nonprofit dedicated to finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.
· Music artist Marcus King held an online auction in September to raise funds for MusiCares, the philanthropic arm of the Recording Academy, and The Onsite Foundation. The auction, through Charity Buzz, saw the top bidder receive a signed Gibson ES-335 guitar, plus a personal guitar lesson with King. King has been open about his personal challenges with mental health, which was the subject of his recent album Young Blood.
World Mental Health Day is an international day focused on global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries.
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