Britney Spears opens up about her struggles with mental illness

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Mental disorders can affect anyone no matter who they are and at any point in life. However, sharing personal stories about one’s struggle with mental health disorders can help someone else who is experiencing a similar situation. Although talking about mental disorders is not easy, celebrities often come forward to share their tryst with such illnesses in front of thousands of people, often creating a positive impact on the community especially their fans.

Recently, Britney Spears candidly spoke about her struggles with mental health, ahead of her first-ever performance in Tel Aviv, in an interview to an Israeli paper, Yediot Ahronot. Referring to her 20s as an awful phase of life, she considered her 30s to be a much better time when she got to know herself better. In the interview, the 35-year-old American singer, dancer and actress spoke about how during her 20s, she felt overwhelmed and was not in control of her own life. However, later, she learned to look after herself and take responsibility for her mental health.

One needs to balance and effectively manage one’s personal life

Referring to the highly publicized breakdown in 2007, she revealed that her life was controlled by others, which did not allow her to be herself and eventually affected her personal and professional life. According to Britney, “I was trying to please everyone around me because that is who I am deep inside. There are moments where I look back and think: ‘What the hell was I thinking?’”

In 2007, the star divorced Kevin Federline and was involved in the very public battle for custody of her children. During the same year, Britney spent time in rehab where she was photographed after having shaved off her then-brunette locks and a few days later, was even caught attacking a photographer’s car with an umbrella. While she fled the accident scene, Britney was charged with two counts of hit and run and was eventually hospitalized in early 2008.

While Britney experienced a lot of turmoil during the early stages of her life, she denies that her mental problems were the biggest crisis. Speaking to the newspaper, Britney said, “Crisis is a strong word. Each and every one of us that starts at a young age needs to take into account that you’ve gotta be balanced in order to stay in this industry and to manage your personal life.”

Today, Britney is leading a happy life, 10 years after her mental breakdown. According to her, she is at a much better place in life and that her two children, Sean (11) and Jayden (10), helped her shape her personality.

More celebrities battling mental illness

When it comes to disclosing one’s struggle with mental health, it seems like Britney is not the only one. Recently, Melanie Chisholm, 43, better known as Mel C from the British all-female pop group Spice Girls, spoke about her stint with depression, eating disorder and the relapse she suffered after the split with her ex-partner.

Earlier this month, Katy Perry, 32, an American singer and songwriter, opened up about her struggles with depression. As part of her promotional campaign for her new album Witness, the singer revealed that she had suicidal thoughts in the past and that she struggled hard to look her authentic self.

Women should address their mental health problems

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