A lot of people tend to think that those who dress in loud, colourful, flamboyant, bohemian style are just plain arrogant, showoffs with an insatiable appetite for attention. Or, is it an expression of their art, after finally coming terms with themselves and accepting themselves for who they are? I think no one can say for sure, with absolute certainty.
Over the years, I have seen, many people from many walks of live using different means to protect themselves, protect their vulnerable inner souls. And yes, I am sharing my subjective opinion here. So we agree to disagree because no one can read another person’s mind. No one.
Today I shall discuss 3 of my fav talented, rockstars who i ADMIRE and RESPECT a great deal.
Freddie Mercury, (1946-1991), the flamboyant, amazingly talented lead singer of Queen, was the creative genius of his era. No one came close to him, and I think no one ever will. But beneath that life of success and achievement lies a lonely heart.
“In fact, my kind of loneliness is the hardest to bear. Loneliness doesn’t mean being shut away in a room by yourself.”
Freddie M
Take Lady Gaga, the bohemian vocalist. She has an incredible dress sense. And she is one of my fav singers of this decade. She is also a mental health advocate who spoke out bravely about her struggles with anxiety and depression thruout her life. I respect her for that.
“Depression doesn’t take away your talents — it just makes them harder to find. But I always find it.
Lady Gaga
Patch Adams star Robin Williams, widely regarded as the greatest comedian that ever lived. I luv Patch Adams and I watched it growing up. who dedicated his life to bringing laughter, helping others find joy… He battled with decades of depression.
“I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy because they know what it’s like to feel absolutely worthless and they don’t want anyone else to feel like that.” – Robin Williams
In my mind, underlying all this is emotional neglect… Childhood experiences growing up…
Growing up, I was a lonely, shy, insecure child who lacked confidence in myself. My only achievement was academic, so i buried myself in books lol. Oh well, thats our screwed up Asian culture I guess haha. In Asia, when we speak about mental health, it is often met with judgey stares. It doesnt have to be that way. We need to bring mental health into the light, into the open. During this covidy times, it is all the more important as a lot of us are hurting inside.
I’ve suffered through emotional neglect, depression and anxiety for a good part of my life. So I want sufferers out there to know that the emotions they feel as being inadequate, not good enough human beings is COMPLETELY normal. We were born this way. This aint an illness. It is a result of unmet emotional needs growing up. And we can right this. Lets be kind to one another, for everyone is fighting a battle we do not know. #Itsokaytobenotokay
If this resonates with u, pls pass it on to those who will benefit from this. Together lets build an inclusive open, and non judgey community. 🤗
Comments from a reader and fellow sufferers||
Not everyone can understand Asian mental health stigmas and problems.