She’s a vocal supporter of self-care after battling eating disorders, anxiety and depression.
And Kesha, 30, penned a moving essay detailing the difficulties of the holiday season for people with mental health issues, published on Thursday in Time magazine.
The commissioned essay is part of a series with OptionB.org where influential artists who have struggled themselves offer advice.
Speaking out in support: Kesha, 30, penned a moving essay detailing the difficulties of the holiday season for people with mental health issues, published on Thursday in Time magazine
‘The holiday season is supposed to be the most festive and fun time of the year but sometimes it can quickly become a stressful and emotional time,’ she wrote.
‘All those plans and expectations of joy can turn tougher than they sound.
‘This is especially true for those of us who struggle with mental illness — be it depression, anxiety, addiction or any other challenges.’
Kesha has been vocal about her personal struggles with an eating disorder, anxiety and depression, and subsequent rehab stint in January 2014.
Sing out loud: The commissioned essay is part of a series with OptionB.org where influential artists who have struggled themselves offer advice (pictured this week)
‘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,’ she wrote.
‘To fight this, I’ve developed a mantra: It’s not selfish to take time for yourself.’
Kesha’s latest album Rainbow marked the return of the singer after her career came to a full stop during a legal battle with Dr. Luke, real name Lukasz Gottwald.
‘Take a walk in nature,’ the Tik Tok singer wrote. ‘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. Download one of the many meditation apps for your phone. I particularly like Calm and End Anxiety.’
Brave: Kesha has been vocal about her personal struggles with an eating disorder, anxiety and depression, and subsequent rehab stint in January 2014 (pictured this week)
She reminded her fans that while it may not be easy to understand, ‘it’s not your responsibility to make the whole world happy’
‘This holiday season, I will be missing a beloved member of my family who passed away recently, but I have to remember to be thankful for the family that I do have and careful not to fall into an existential crisis downward spiral,’ she shared.
‘And most importantly just remember to give yourself a break!’
Rainbow mixes Kesha’s signature pop sounds of seven years ago with raw, powerful songs in which she channels the frustration, hurt and anger she has felt during a lengthy court battle with former producer, Dr. Luke, whom she accused of emotional and sexual abuse.
Dr. Luke denied the allegations and counter-sued for defamation.
That case, and Kesha’s battle to be released from a multi-album contract with Sony Music, is still making its way through the legal system, even as Kesha decided to release Rainbow through the Sony Music group.
Talent: Kesha’s latest album Rainbow marked the return of the singer after her career came to a full stop during a legal battle with Dr. Luke, real name Lukasz Gottwald (pictured this month)