3 Things a Therapist Wants You to Know

The top online influencer in the area of depression, Julie de Azevedo Hanks is a mom, award-winning singer/songwriter, author, licensed therapist, blogger—and more. Here, she shares 3 surprising thoughts about mental health.

1. It’s a good thing when stars talk

“I am touched by how many prominent people have come out talking about mental illness. The more we all talk about it, the more the stigma will go away. And the more we can say, ‘Hey, it’s just part of being human.’ One who comes to mind is Catherine Zeta-Jones, who has said she is bipolar. Another is Demi Lovato, who talked about her in-patient treatment for depression and an eating disorder. When famous people talk about their illness and their treatment, more and more people understand that there is really effective treatment options. And they understand that celebrities are actually a lot like us when it comes to these things. They get treatment and they go on and continue life—and that’s just what us old regular people have to do too!”

2. You’re really powerful when you’re making a difference

“To be 17 and 18 years old and struggling with depression and self esteem problems and body image—I understand that.  What helped me when I was a teenager was therapy—as an adolescent, I learned how powerful the therapeutic relationship was for me and how life-altering it was—and music. My parents were very mission-driven. My dad wanted to make a difference with his music so I grew up with that in the air.  My songwriting also became my therapy. It helped me feel powerful and realize that I could make a difference and make the world better for a while. It was, and is, very powerful.”

3. Therapists need therapy, too

“Marital distress is a huge problem these days. Our loved ones are the people who help calm us when we’re upset. They help us improve our mood and help us regulate our emotions with us. When there’s relationship distress with significant others, it impacts everything from our immune system to our mental health. Relationships can be a cure, but that may require therapy. Because no one is objective—not your friends or your family. Sometimes they’re even invested in keeping the relationship the same when it’s not working. That’s why an outside person—a therapist—can help. Therapists are objective. I am a therapist but I go to a therapist because sometimes I just need to vent and have somebody listen to me and validate me. Everybody needs that, especially women who are the busy caretakers of everyone else.”

Do you have a question about depression or mental health for Julie or the other online influencers? Please ask it here.

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File under: Expert Spotlight