Put your paws up, Little Monsters, because your queen, Lady Gaga, is more like you than you could have ever imagined: She has struggled with body image issues for years.
After a performance in Amsterdam, the British newspaper Daily Mail pointed out Gaga’s obvious weight gain in an accusing light, saying the singer had gained around 30 pounds based on her appearance.
As poised as she is, Gaga decided not to retaliate in an aggressive manner, but to respond with un-airbrushed photos of her in her underwear, revealing the fact that she has dealt with anorexia and bulimia since she was 15 — making her seem more human than ever.
She also welcomed her fans to treat her website LittleMonsters.com as a haven for those who suffer from the unattainably high standards society has created for us. Her project, titled “A Body Revolution,” focuses on loving your flaws and embracing imperfections.
Is this just a publicity stunt to take her fame to the next level? Or is this pop superstar opening up and sharing her demons with the rest of the world?
The latter, of course.
With as much fame as Gaga has, I don’t think there is a “next level” for her to jump to; she already has influential prowess and plenty of riches. Thankfully, Gaga used her influence in a positive manner.
Celebrities have great power to spark change and thought in our society with little effort. The only problem that arises is whether it is healthier to listen to a celebrity endorsement over a trained medical professional when it comes to a mental health issue.
As long as the celebrity is promoting positive change, I don’t see a problem with allowing a celebrity to have powerful influence over that topic.
Celebrities are much more accessible in our daily lives than mental health professionals with whom you must schedule and make appointments with. Plus, society somehow put a stigma on the desire to seek out help from a therapist.
Our idols are found on covers of magazines, continuously updated gossip websites and pop culture television shows, and all of that is available at our fingertips.
While fans may originally be drawn to the message promoted from their idols, I feel as though it is necessary for celebrities to encourage their fans to seek out proper treatment.
It should be made clear that celebrities are not trained to handle certain issues in a professional way, even though they are there to support their fans.
What it boils down to is that celebrities have the ability to initially close the gap between feeling like an outcast and feeling like part of the group. What follows is in the hands of the trained professionals.
Whether it deals with body image or sexual orientation, original advocacy is the power of the celebrity.
Mental health services, though they may seem hard to find, are available right here on campus. The LSU Health Center provides a wide range of mental health services concerning depression, body image issues and even family relationship problems.
Out-of-state students may face a tougher time at school if they came here without friends, but fear not, you are never alone.
This comprehensive range of services should not be taken for granted. Besides, you’ve already paid for it, and seeking help can’t do any harm.
Whether it’s sharing your story with personal struggles on Mother Monster’s website or going to seek help from a mental health professional, it all starts with acknowledging the issue and wanting to get better.
Lady Gaga has gladly lent a hand in jump-starting the process of achieving healthier mental mindsets.
