In recent times, hip hop artists have turn out to be more open about their struggles with mental health. From “backpack” rappers like Kid Cudi, to “emo” rappers like Lil Uzi Vert, XXXTENTACION and Juice WRLD, it has turn out to be mainstream for artists to debate trauma and struggles with depression openly on social media and of their records.

In 2017, millennial rapper Logic dropped a song about suicide ideation, “1-800-273-8255,” which doubles because the number to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. The discharge, which was performed live on the 2017 MTV VMAs, has been linked to fewer suicides. Furthermore, G Herbo released his 2021 album titled PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, openly sharing his feelings about growing up around gun violence.

While rappers are more vulnerable today, this trend isn’t exclusive to millennials and Gen Z, as 90s songs like Geto Boys’ “Mind Playing Tricks On Me,” DMX’s “Slippin’” and Tupac’s “Changes” also explored the consequences of life within the “hood.” Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, REVOLT spoke with Shanelle Clay, M.A. LPC NCC, for 7 mental health tricks to help artists stay sane within the music industry.

1. Because of social media, we live in a microwave society where quick gratification is the underside line. With this, “out of sight, out of mind” is a real concern for artists. Perhaps that is why many feel the necessity to overshare and continuously “show up.” How can an artist manage their public image while taking a break?

I can understand the necessity for artists to be visible attributable to their notoriety being depending on being seen. Nevertheless, every part needs to be done sparsely. A few of the most famous artists, akin to Beyoncé, curate their pages with selectiveness, providing enough to maintain people interested but being intentional with what they decide to share. Artists should know that taking a social media break isn’t abandoning their artistry or fans but relatively cultivating solitude. Artists can have their assistants post to their pages while taking a break or schedule posts using tools or applications to make sure they don’t must open the app to stay visible.

2. When a manager, publicist and record label control an artist’s every move, how can they learn to talk up for themselves to get the assistance, rest and peace they need? How does an artist advocate for themselves effectively?

Artists must do not forget that their welfare is just as vital as their artistry, if no more. That’s the reason I encourage advocacy in evaluating what’s in your contract around expectations regarding work. It can be crucial to discover your views on mental health and autonomy before signing to a label or identifying an individual to represent you. You have to communicate and anticipate the long-term effects of not having peace and solace and the impact which will have on you financially. Most record labels need to keep their artists who bring them notoriety and revenue, so leverage that to advocate in your best interests.

3. Being an artist means wearing multiple hats and living with a jam-packed schedule of interviews, appearances, styling and other invasive responsibilities. How can talent find time for moments which can be just “fun” for them without feeling pressured to monetize them? Why are hobbies vital?

Managing many roles and creating an efficient work-life balance is very important for all people including artists. Establishing time to have interaction with the individuals who knew you before the celebrity, and doing things that you just simply enjoy are super vital since it allows for an artist to still remain human in a world that makes them superhuman. When an artist dedicates their entire lives to entertaining the world, they’ll neglect time servicing themselves. It’s imperative to do not forget that the experience of peace can’t be monetized.

4. Out of your skilled experience, why is it vital for an artist to rent a social media manager or delegate another person to take care of their online presence?

Social media managers function gatekeepers for artists when maintaining a web based presence is vital. These gatekeepers essentially act as stress managers and assist with minimizing cyberbullying and other negative impacts on their mental health. For all the nice, social media now makes artists who were once unavailable unless we purchased tickets to live shows, accessible with a click and 280 characters. A social media manager can assist in ensuring their exposure, whether positive or negative, is proscribed.

5. It’s no secret that artists are handed every part they might ever need to perform, including things that are usually not good for them. Also, we hear so often of artists hospitalized for exhaustion. Why is it vital for talent to know when to say “no”? What would you say to those that are afraid to say “no” for fear they’ll lose their spot?

I completely agree that sometimes the culture of celebrity comes together with access to latest vices that might not be great for the artist. It’s times like this when “no” has to function an entire sentence. Often times, people feel the necessity to clarify their “no,” but you need to remember you could decline just as quickly as you accept any offer. It is sweet practice to know what drives your fear in saying “no.” Are you frightened that “no” means you aren’t a team player? Do you think that that “no” will make you replaceable? “No” doesn’t must be harsh, however it is a boundary. Clinically and interpersonally, boundaries are for you, not for others.

6. How vital is it for an artist to be selective with who they keep of their space? How can they navigate maintaining relationships that they had before the celebrity/money and the brand new individuals who come around after? What’s discernment and the way do you apply it?

Whether a star or an on a regular basis citizen, everyone must continuously evaluate the corporate they keep and the relationships that they maintain. For artists, this might be especially difficult so discernment plays an enormous part. Identifying the behaviors of those around you before you were famous is step one. Should you didn’t trust this person along with your secrets before, they might not be an ideal person to have interaction with at a detailed level now. Should you couldn’t trust your loved ones or friend with funds before, this may increasingly not be the time to experiment. Discernment is the nudge to guage if care and courtesy are contingent.

7. Why is it vital for an artist to have the correct professionals around and the way do they select the correct business coach, therapist or life coach?

It can be crucial to have people around you who present opposition. In entertainment, there are lots of individuals who will let you know “yes” even in the event that they don’t imagine in your vision, so it’s hard to search out people you possibly can trust and who want nothing from you in return. As a therapist, my clients’ wellbeing is most significant. We’re non-bias sounding boards and don’t stand to reap anything because we’ve to take care of confidentiality. It’s great to envision in with someone concerning the stress often related to being an artist based on the various roles they serve. Therapists, business coaches and life coaches can support to have a more well-balanced version of you, which subsequently makes you a more balanced person and artist.

Shanelle Clay is a Licensed Skilled Counselor (LPC) in Washington DC, Minnesota and Pennsylvania. She is a doctoral candidate studying counseling education and supervision and works because the clinical director for Onyx Therapy Group, which is a Black-owned and operated private practice in DC, Md. and Pa. Her research topics include racial stress, clinical supervision for Black women and trauma interventions.