in Entertainment, Life

Kesha Just Shared An Open Letter About Taking Care Of Your Mental Health Over The Holidays

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When Kesha emerged in 2010 with the party rock classic “TiK ToK,” she was all about getting loaded, covering oneself in glitter, and spelling one’s name “Ke$ha.” Well, that was something of a stage persona because the singer has evolved into an extremely brave advocate for speaking truth to power, speaking up against harassment and assault (even as it threatened to end her career), and inspiring men and women, adults and young people, to be good to themselves and each other.

The 30-year-old Rainbow singer just published an open letter in Time magazine. Commissioned by mental health awareness organization Option B, the letter shines a light on that which is often ignored during the hap-hap-happy and festive holiday season: depression, anxiety, and other issues that millions struggle with all year long.

Kesha writes:

In so many ways, the holidays can throw you off your game — and that can shake you. When you have a routine, it’s easier to manage whatever mental struggles you may be faced with, and when that routine is broken, it can trigger things you may not be ready to face. I know it has for me. It was during the holidays when I hit a low moment and with the help of my mother decided to seek help for my eating disorder.

Around the holidays, I often feel like I’m supposed to be everywhere, with everyone — all with the added guilt that it’s the season of giving. To fight this, I’ve developed a mantra: It’s not selfish to take time for yourself.

She also lays out some suggestions on how to take that time for yourself.

Take a walk in nature. Talk to a friend you trust or a therapist. Sit out one of the holiday gatherings in favor of some personal time. Just do whatever helps you calm down and gives you a break from the stress.

But really, just try to go easy on yourself.

It’s not your responsibility to try to make the whole world happy. Especially since sometimes it’s not that easy to make yourself happy, either — even with all the celebrations and gifts and seasonal decorations, foods and drinks, which can only do so much. So don’t ask yourself things like “It’s almost Christmas, why am I not happy?” That can turn into a shame cycle. It’s just another day — don’t put unrealistic expectations on it, and don’t beat yourself up.

Trying to spend all of your time pleasing everyone else is not only exhausting — it’s impossible. And you know what? If you take a little time for yourself, you will actually be much better company for those around you.

The whole thing is worth a read if you suffer from depression, have a loved one who does, or if you just would like to make the holidays a little bit happier by enhancing your own sense of empathy.

Kesha’s fans have been praising the singer on Twitter for the piece, and, more importantly spreading the message.

I love you

queen.

YOU ARE SO FUCKING BEAUTIFUL

This is an extremely important piece and I commend you for writing. More like this needs to be said.

Thank you for writing this. Thank you for always being you.

You are such an inspiration