‘Please do not suffer in silence’: Jessie J opens up about depression
Jessie J has shown her vulnerable side to her millions of followers in a new Instagram video, which has currently racked up almost half a million views.
She opens up about her struggles with anxiety and depression while encouraging the younger generation not to "hide their real feelings behind a perfected edited image."
The British artist attempts to hold back tears as she plays the piano and sings, explaining that she's been feeling "kinda off", and wanted to express herself through music.
"I didn't know I would cry. I was live for a minute or two before this moment," Jessie explains "But it's important to be open that we are not always done up and feeling 100."
The 30-year-old is trying to set a good mental health example for younger and older generations, saying; "In a time and a world (especially the social world), sadly vulnerability is often seen as weakness."
She captioned the post; "I’m not posting this for sympathy. Im posting this for anyone who needs to see it (I needed it). This video is from yesterday. I woke up, feeling kinda off. I sat at the piano (which I’ve been avoiding) knowing it will bring some stuff up."
The continued, emotionally expressing her hope that vulnerability can be seen as a strength in the future;
"I’m making it up and feeling my real feelings. I went live as I wanted to share with you guys the moment. I didn’t know I would cry. I was live for a minute or two before this moment. But it’s important to be open… All of us have our days. Yesterday was one of my weird emotional days."
"The younger generation are almost being taught to hide their real feelings behind a perfected edited image. Hence why anxiety and depression in kids is through the roof and only carries to their adult life if it doesn’t change."
"One of the biggest killers in men under 30 is suicide," she said, nothing the shocking statistics, especially for the male gender, who account for eight in 10 suicides in Ireland every year.
"We push our feelings to the bottom of our energy and hope it goes away. It won’t. Don’t define yourself on it. But stand with it, process it and learn from it. Find YOUR happiness. No one can make you happy but you. People can contribute. But ultimate happiness comes from within. It’s a personal journey."
She concluded; "I have said time and time again in recent years I don’t want to be a role model but I want to inspire. To anyone young or older. Let your sadness/pain/grief out. In your OWN way."
"Another thing… TALK to people you love when you are down. Please do not suffer in silence. Life is way too short and ALWAYS GETS BETTER. I’m thinking of you and sending love to your heart," she said.
The singer has been open in the past about her struggles with grief and sadness, especially after the recent death of her head bodyguard over the New Year.
The video is hugely emotional, and we hope it inspires her fans, young and old, to allow themselves to be vulnerable. With the digital age, mental health statistics for young people are worse then ever.
Jessie J really is one brave, talented gal.
Feature image: Instagram/@jessiej
