In the 1960's Albert Bandura began conducting experiments that attempted to create a map of the social human being. Modeling, a facet of social learning theory, is arguably one of his most famous discoveries. This phenomenon refers to the way that we watch other's behavior and mimic it as our own. The experiment also revealed that the chances of us shadowing the behavior that we see dramatically increases in accordance with certain variables: popularity, intelligence, talent, and perceived reward. So, let us say for the sake of this article, the "model" happens to be Billboard, People's Choice, and Unite4:Humanity Award winning singer/songwriter who is also a global advocate for GLAAD; the potential for this person's behavior to be repeated is very high.
Ten, even twenty years ago, no one wanted to talk about mental health. Everyone wanted everyone to keep their own business to themselves: the dream life was a white picket fence, a chicken casserole, and football on Sunday afternoons. The problem with this Truman Show lifestyle is that its unrealistic. Life is hard sometimes. Sometimes we lose our jobs, our house floods, or our midterms pile up. At some point along the way, we have to talk about it. And someone, somewhere out there, has to start the conversation.
And who better than our two beloved powerhouses:
Kristen Bell
and
Demi Lovato
Kristen Bell left us all with gaping mouths when she revealed her struggles with anxiety and depression. She encouraged viewers everywhere that "there is no shame" in admitting to or talking about mental health (watch the video here). But before Kristen, Demi pushed the boundaries that society had set for its celebrities. She announced her struggle with drug addiction, an eating disorder, and bipolar disorder in 2011. Her groundbreaking song, Skyscraper, beautifully articulates the strength and dignity that comes with overcoming our demons.
There is a reason why the humanness and vulnerability shown by these two women took the world by storm, and it all began with Bandura. Looking at the world's reception of their struggles with mental health through a psychological lense allows for a realization that each woman modeled what it looks like to have open and honest conversations about the things in life that are burdensome and heavy. When we see a figurehead like Kristen or Demi speaking aloud the things that we've only though of alone, a powerful feeling of community and connectedness grows in the place of despair and hopelessness.
So, in the wake of Kristen Bell and Demi Lovato's bravery, let's quietly gather together and ask the hard questions. Let's talk about the things that hide in our darkest corners. Let's foster conversation, hope, and community that is so desperately needed by all.
To become a part of the conversation, or if you or someone you love is struggling with mental illness, go to: http://www.nami.org/mentalhealthmonth for more information.
