Rich, famous and depressed: Desperate measure or PR strategy?

THIS week in Psychology Today, journalist and blogger Anthea Rowe raised the question: Depression: The New Black?

She reflects on how genuine celebrities' suffering may be and says revelations about mental illness may be a PR strategy as various high profile figures discuss their depression. Are people in the entertainment industry publicising - or even exaggerating - their condition in an attempt to sell their latest album, show or fitness DVD?

Perhaps naively, as I commented on the fantastic Reluctant Memsahib blog, I can't help feeling that if we castigate celebrities for speaking up, we may be creating some sort of pecking order about whose illness we feel we can believe in.

Photo by Catzi on Flickr

As a journalist who has also 'come clean' about their depression, I have always admired those with far more column inches than me using them to highlight mental health illness. 
 
I wrote last week about how depression makes me feel unworthy of my children's love. Should I now question if speaking out is the right thing to do? Will people be waiting in the wings to tell me I have a roof over my head a job so I should get a grip? This is a simplistic reaction to RM's thoughtful blog post but one that strikes me nevertheless.

Why should one person's suffering be less "worthy" than anyone else's? Depression and grief are no respecters of status or wealth. You could be living the life of an "international playboy" and still be affected - as Robbie has shown. 

You could be as acclaimed, loved and high profile as it gets and and still feel desperate - just as the writer Elspeth Thompson and designer Alexander McQueen are reported to have been before they took their own lives.
 
Andrea writes: "I'm not suggesting for a moment that every single one of these woman fabricated their illness; I'm just saying I don't believe they all suffered the condition in its warts-and-all guise: I think some were just briefly disappointed with life, exhausted by fame. I think some might even have dressed a passing miserable phase up as mental illness in order to buff a fading star?
 
"I vacillate between feeling irked by red carpet treading film stars and globe-trotting-to-tour singers who wheel their experiences of Depression out (a publicity stunt? a means to garner our sympathies so that we will watch their movies, listen to their albums, buy their really, really badly written books? I can't help being suspicious of their recently evolved compulsion to Raise Awareness) ...
 
Personally, I am not irked by these stories, I am not suspicious. I embrace them: Does it make me naive?
I don't think these stories trivialise depression - just as Jade's cancer led to an upsurge in cervical cancer tests, so mental health charities include famous faces in their campaigns to help boost effectiveness - at a basic level they make my speaking out easier. Or am I hoodwinked by my leanings towards media relations work in recent years?

For me, the bottom line is these people may lead lives that for many would be an absolute dream but  they still get ill and we salute them for speaking out.

Perhaps if we begin to lump all “celebrities” together as possibly flaunting an illness to boost PR, aren’t we going to help create more secrecy and discourage those in the public eye from ‘raising awareness’? – I know how trite ‘raising awareness’ can sound but with hand on heart I do think it matters here.

To be devil’s advocate and take it to the extreme could this mean that that only people who live in grinding poverty are “allowed” to suffer and only their suffering is to be believed?

Why shouldn’t Angelina Jolie have suffered PND? What is to be not believed about an actor from Corrie taking time away from the cameras to recover and then come back and admit what she had gone through to help others?  

RM adds in her comment in response to my wittering on: "No, we should not lump celebs together, that many have suffered very real depression is indubitable, that brilliance and mental fragility are often partners is a given, I would just be sad if real pain was ever used as an excuse...or if a diagnosis of Depression were used to whitewash situations where life was hard but manageable which, as you understand, isn’t what Depression is about. Sometimes life is difficult or sad or testing and our ability to cope is challenged, I would hate if mental illness were used to explain those times, for it would undermine the real pain of it all."

Now there's even a more incredible development, some doctors have spoken up to say that people have told them "they want to be bipolar" to emulate or copy their idols. Seriously. This piece from the Daily Mail asks: Is celebrity soul-baring spreading depression?

Yet as depression begins to be discussed as a ‘designer’ illness, I do begin to wonder if a day will come when celebrities will speak up about having schizophrenia, psychosis or OCD. Admitting to depression remains easier as it's a much more PR-friendly mental illness.

Perhaps when other mental health issues are highlighted more by those in the public eye, then feelings of depression ‘being the new black’ could subside?

What do you think? Would love to know your views in the comments.
 

Comments

[Claire Allan]

I've suffered from depression for coming on 8 years. I've had PND and AND. I wrote a fictional book dealing with PND - very loosely based on my experiences.
Yes, in promoting that book I spoke very openly in the national (Irish) media about my illness, my recovery, my relapses etc. Once I was splashed all over a very prominent broadsheet declaring my suicidal thoughts.
Did I do that to sell books? No.
I did it to be honest - to remove the taboo because when things are bad for me I want someone just to say "I know, I know. I have felt like that". I don't want to feel like a "madzer" (to steal a Marian Keyes phrase) I want to make this illness acceptable as an illness - and believed by those lucky enough never to have experienced it.
Well done Linda for speaking so openly. I wish there were more like you.

[Linda]

"I want to make this illness acceptable as an illness - and believed by those lucky enough never to have experienced it."

Thanks Claire - you have summed up perfectly how I feel too.

I really appreciate you sharing your experience here. For some reason I can talk about this until the cows come home when I am well but when ill feel like a complete idiot and crave acceptance.

[Suzi Shaw]

Honestly as someone who has lived with someone with severe clinical depression, through his breakdown and coming out the other side whilst also having PND myself each time I had a baby I couldn't care who says that they are suffering with a mh illness right now as long as the stigma is reduced.
Depression is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy and yet if the depression wasn't hard enough, it was the stigma and other people's attitude to mental health illness which was the hardest for me (and has been spoken about on DWD many times).
I think it's about time that even the rich and famous "admitted" that they were suffering too. It only helps to reinforce the fact that depression and other forms of mental health illness can and do affect anyone no matter which walk of life you come from.
Stand up, be counted and change the world....

[Tattie Weasle]

"Stand up and be counted" an excellent call to arms! There are an awful lot of people out there and if the statistics are to be beleived, one in four of us will have a bout of depression at some point in our lives, a quarter of the population! When I last looked celebs were human so I think they count as part of the population and should have full access to all sort of excitements that are freely available to the rest of us mere mortals!

[Kim]

Well, the problem that both Rowe's article and your post highlights is this: we have no idea what depression is like for another person, and no way of knowing whether another person is "really" depressed. The *only* method doctors have of diagnosing a person as depressed is through what that person says about how they're feeling.

So Rowe is in no more a position to judge than anyone else about whether someone else is or isn't depressed. Personally I feel very strongly that depression isn't an illness, and that it's just one more condition that has been medicalised so that the pharmaceutical industry can sell us a drug that can make it better. But that is a difficult and complicated discussion and no room for it here.

[Emily O]

A very interesting post. I think there's a link between creative talent and depression. Many great poets, writers and painters suffered. A lot of celebs these days aren't as talented as them but some still have troubled creative personalities. I also think living life in the limelight must put huge pressure on your mental state. It would be very cynical to use depression as a way of promoting your career, I don't believe someone would want to do that. Some people are more prone to depression than others and out of those some find it harder to cope with depression than others. I agree with you, however nauseating some people in the public eye seem to present their battle with depression, it is far better talked about than not. And despite this, it's still a taboo subject. Can you imagine telling your boss at work or your parents that you're suffering with depression? Still really hard to do, despite how much we talk about it.

[Linda]

But Kim doctors have far more to go on than what the individual tells the doctor, surely?

The second time I was diagnosed with depression (after ignoring it since 20 years earlier) I hadn't told my doctor anything about how I felt, she spotted I was depressed when I went about something else. My doctor told me it's an illness and I believe her. Anti-depressants help. I'm trying my best to not feel ashamed of this. Depression is an illness/condition that has had some very serious consequences for people I hold very dear.

I went for many years having episodes which were put up with to an extent but I never dared speak about. I remember sitting outside a spa while my friends went in, I didn't feel worthy of the pampering treatment and I cried my eyes out. I can see now I was ill, same as I was when I wanted to jump out of a window or crash my car because the people I love would be better off without me.

My doctor tells me this is an illness and I have no need to feel ashamed. I'm inclined to want to agree with her and believe her.

Here's some symptoms (taken from www.journeysonline.org.uk) for anyone who has found this site/post who's wondering if they may be suffering from depression.

Common symptoms include:

Physical

Changes in sleeping patterns – difficulty getting to sleep, sleeping more or less, waking early, not being able to get back to sleep, and daytime sleeping

Changes in eating patterns or appetite – eating much more or much less

Loss of energy, general fatigue

Tearfulness

Palpitations

Headaches, stomach aches or other aches and pains

* Behavioural

Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities

Difficulty in concentrating or making decisions

Being irritable

Putting things off

Being busy

Lack of motivation

No enthusiasm for anything

Paranoia

Forgetfulness

Needing to get away

Lack of interest in personal appearance and hygiene

Hiding away – avoiding social situations

Emotional

Feeling pessimistic

Emotional numbness

Fear – especially without an identifiable reason

Negative beliefs/ideas

Feeling hopeless and helpless

Loss of confidence

Feeling worthless

Suicidal thoughts

Feeling anxious and empty

We all experience some of these symptoms now and again, but if anyone experiences four or more, to a point that they interfere with your ability to get on with their life, for two weeks or more, they should seek advice.

[Linda]

Emily - thanks - it is becoming more acceptable I hope. Tattie and Suzi, thank you very much for commenting and sharing your views, out of interest, if you come back again and read this, what do you say re a view that depression isn't an illness?

[Nat]

I have no idea of it being a PR stunt, but I can believe it.

I just read through that list you posted here in the comments Linda.

What happens if you have a lot of those feelings. But life is actually quite good. I am highly strung, I feel so utterly stressed at the moment that yesterday I handed my wedding ring back to my husband and lay around nearly all day in the kids beds while they played next to me, often just crying my eyes out as I've had enough.

Today I feel OK. I am calmer the kids aren't bothering me as much. My husband is so use me being like that he never comments anymore, when it really would be nice to have a break from the kids. And have him hold me.

I am looking for a mothers help to get some me time as I have none and my husband and I never have alone time. I think as I advance in my 3rd pregnancy I am ecstatic yet full of fear of the commitment that lay ahead. And feeling like I've lost myself.

These thoughts are fleeting and only come every few months. I don't *think* I am depressed or depressive however. Maybe I am?

I am finding this all very interesting to read though. And will look into Claire's book.

[Liz (LivingwithKids)]

Absolutely not a PR stunt. As anyone who has had therapy for depression knows, what often happens is that you're encouraged to talk about yourself and I think that for Robbie et al their openness is part of the therapy. And I think if celebrities can make people aware that depression isn't something to be scared of, that's a positive thing.

I do think, thought, that we have to be aware that in some instances where celebs claim to have 'bi-polar disorder' what they really mean is, I've done too many drugs so I'm off to rehab.
Brilliant post.

[Suzi Shaw]

Linda... Re the viewpoint that Depression isn't really an illness.... I would argue that anyone who says that has not had depression, or lived with someone who has. Should anyone want to know exactly what it is like then they can feel free to contact me, Im happy to answer openly and honestly.
I don't know anyone who would "pretend" to have depression. It's horrible. There ARE physical symptoms as well as the mental and emotional symptoms; not only for the sufferer but for their whole family and friends.

Why would anyone want to pretend to be as ill as I have seen my husband where he couldn't get out of bed for months without help, didn't know if he was thirsty, hungry, didn't know if he loved me or the children anymore..... When he shut out all of his friends, his family, didn't open letters, pay the bills etc, risked us losing our home etc... Please don't tell me that anyone would pretend to be like this?

[Anne]

Why are people saying depression might be a PR stunt yet when someone has, say, a knee injury, they won't question it?

It is very important that people understand depression is an illness like any other, and I think campaigns like Mind's have helped with that (e.g. celebs like Paul Merton speaking out). I also think that, hello, celebrities are people too, under enormous pressure, and of course they may get depressed. Who is anyone to say this or that person can't really be depressed? That is how you drive people further into despair.

I might write something about this myself.

[Peabee72]

Is this not just another way to chastise our celebrity culture? We created the monster and then we look for any way to torment and kill it? Why should someone's suffering be any less valid because they are famous? And why should someone be any more likely to create a condition because they are in the public eye?

I suppose there is an argument that slebs crave attention to the point that ANY attention constitutes good attention, but really I think this has more to do with basic human nature than celebrity culture. We all want and need attention to a certain degree, and we all go about seeking this in our own way.

I cannot imagine that being seen to suffer from what is obviously a horrible affliction will sell more records/books/fitness DVDs etc. Probably the most high profile public figure to come out about his condition is Stephen Fry- his revelations don't make me want to rush out and buy his latest book, or watch him any more than I did. I watched the programmes he made about it with interest and I think it did a lot to increase understanding and go some way to dispersing the ignorance.

My view is: more power to those who speak out, it must be incredibly hard. If there are those who choose to make up or exaggerate something, they have my sympathies- they possibly need just as much help in their own way. And to those who dismiss genuine suffering, shame on you.

[Deer Baby]

Very interesting discussion. I think it helps the more people - particularly celebrities - come out and say they suffer from it. If you see people who, in other people's eyes, have everything to live for - be it fame, wealth,or acclaim, (I'm thinking Marian Keyes, Stephen Fry, Robbie Williams) then instead of thinking - what could they possibly have to be depressed about, they've got everything - people may start to think, yes you can have all that and still be suffering from the disease. It doesn't discriminate.

I was particularly shocked by Elspeth Thompson. I've been following her blog about doing up railway carriages and her gardening, for years. So sad.

[grit]

culture change and attitude change can take a long time, and having media personalities express any issues about depression hopefully makes it easier to feel this might be an accepting climate when things seriously go wrong for us ordinary mortals. certainly, sadly, 20 years ago there was less understanding - and sympathy - about mental health and breakdown. it was more of a taboo and i think most people thought then this was something that could just be got rid of if you 'pulled yourself together'.

i think depression could turn into a 'genre' like the misery lit, but if it helps anyone to calibrate their own experiences and thoughts then it is still a good thing. so on balance i feel it's better to be talked about than not and i don't resent celebs doing it.

mind you, i would resent them pushing depression as a 'lifestyle package' along with casual sex and drugs - but that is because i now have children and turned into my mother. she was fantastic but did equate the action of chewing gum with prostitution.

[Tattie Weasle]

Linda I have come back basically because I am nosey. Is depression an illness? Or more specifially Depression isn't an illness... well it's been talked about for thousands of years - OK that probably got some people. I believe that one of the great Roman or Greek writers talked about it/wrote about it and I am afraid without further research I cannot for the life of me now remember who. However, the point I mam making is that Melancholy (melancholia) has fascinated people for a very long time but like most mental illness it has not been until fairly recently that we have got a handle on it. I believe the brain actually functions differntly if you are depressed and this can be seen in CAT Scans: again bits and pieces all fished together and I may not be exactly right.
Why brain function should change in an individual is still an anethema but I beleive that the scientists will get to the bottom of it. Like all things though it will be complicated and will be in varying shades a bit like dyslexia in that some people will have it mildly and others more strongly. Why that should be the case no one knows. Maybe it does have a correlation with creativity in one form or another?
In that sense it is not an illness you can catch but is nevertheless is an illness though one that is far more subtle than has been portrayed so far.
Apart from believing a lot 'cos I am tired and cannot think straight (but some would say I never have) I hope that answers your question. An illness - of sorts...;)

[EmmaK]

It is not spreading depression but it is spreading Narcissistic Personality Disorder especially amongst teens.

I just read a very good book called The Mirror Effect: How Celebrity Narcissism Is Seducing America by Dr Drew Pinsky which did a scientific study of celebrities and found that they had high degrees of mental illness, mainly in the form of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It also showed that becoming a celebrity did not cause them to act out and have mood swings/act self destructive behaviors rather the trauma is caused in childhood. NPD is a syndrome where the person cannot function unless given a sense of self worth via fans and perversely most celebs cannot cope with the fame and it doesn't make them feel any better/less lonely or depressed either. Seeking fame in itself is a form of mental illness because it seeks very superficial adulation by people unable to form stable relationships. In short I don't think celebs exaggerate their depression or mental illness symptoms they are usually on the high end of ill and deserve our sympathy.

[Linda]

Thank you so much everyone for all your thoughtful and detailed comments. x

[Drab]

I'm not qualified in matters of mental health, but this appears to by a well written piece.
I found it very interesting. I suppose we are all affected by depression in some way or other.
Something you said reminded me of my 18 year old son and his school friends. I know that there is more pressure on kids nowadays but there appears to be a huge increase in teenagers attending therapists and being prescribed medication. There seems to be no stigma attached. On the contrary, it is a badge of honour.
As a normal family we have our typical "you don't understand" arguments, about a year ago, during one of these he produced the name and phone number for a councillor, given to him by his best friend. He suggested that he should also attend.
I may be wrong about his friends but I know my son and he does not need to see a therapist.
I suppose the point I'm making is that depression and related problems can also be contagious. And if someone is convinced that they are suffering from a problem is it any less than the real thing?

[N.]

"I know that there is more pressure on kids nowadays but there appears to be a huge increase in teenagers attending therapists and being prescribed medication. There seems to be no stigma attached. On the contrary, it is a badge of honour."

This definitely does seem to be a trend. And a very dangerous one, too.

Psychotropic medicines are dangerous. Antidepressants are known to increase suicide rates, esp. during the first weeks of use. This is a scientifically established fact. Psychiatrists have known this for decades already, and the good ones always warn their patients about that increased risk and make sure their patients know they should contact them immediately if the depression worsens.

There are many other risks involved in taking psychotropic medicines. They're in every way as dangerous as illegal drugs - and some are even more dangerous - yet while we are all very aware of the dangers of the latter, most of us have no idea of the dangers of prescription drugs. (No, I won't bore you with all the risks involved, but I could produce a list of possible side effects - both long-term and short-term, and health risks - that would make you shudder.)

I am deeply concerned about the high numbers of (young) people being diagnosed with depression, and yes, I do sometimes wonder: Are they really clinically depressed, or is something else going on? Something that shouldn't be medicated but remedied otherwise?

Life is hard. And it's as hard on our young ones as it is on those of us who are a bit older. Except that those of us with some more years behind them, have more experience in dealing with the hardships life presents us with.

Am I saying we shouldn't believe those who tell us they are or have been suffering from depression?

No, most definitely not. It would be cruel to say so. Besides, how should I know, without really knowing the person involved? I will take anyone who tells me they are diagnosed with depression on their word. But I do think it's up to doctors (not just psychiatrists, but also GP's) and other mental health professionals to be extremely cautious in diagnosing anyone with any mental illness and in prescribing psychotropic medication.

Mental illness is no picnic. It's not something to be thought of lightly.