Gaga uses platform to speak out about mental health at Grammy’s
With many monumental moments this past Sunday during the 61st annual Grammy Awards, from Cardi B’s win for Best Rap Album and tributes to Dolly Parton, Diana Ross and Motown, the show proved to be memorable for its viewers.
One moment in particular, though, especially stood out – that moment being Lady Gaga’s speech on mental health. After winning the Grammy award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her Bradley Cooper assisted hit “Shallow,” featured in their film, “A Star is Born,” Gaga used her acceptance speech as an opportunity to speak on mental health awareness. While many were left with a feeling of empowerment from her speech, others felt she could have left resources for those struggling with their mental health.
While giving a list of resources would have been beneficial, it is important to remember the amount of support Gaga has given to those struggling with their mental health throughout her career.
During an interview with TODAY in December 2016, the “Bad Romance” hitmaker revealed that she had been suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ever since she was raped at the age of 19. In October 2018, Gaga also assisted Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization in writing an op-ed in The Guardian on mental health awareness. It should also be acknowledged that Gaga even has her own foundation, the “Born This Way Foundation,” that is dedicated to helping those who suffer from mental illness.
Not only has Gaga proven to be a strong advocate for mental health from the beginning of her career, it also needs to be noted that her speech at the Grammys was under a time limit. There was only so much she was able to fit into her speech, and she most likely wouldn’t have had time to fit in a list of resources.
Given that she was visibly emotional during the speech, she may have not thought of naming them. Throughout her speech, in a touching moment, Gaga was full of tears. “I am so proud to be apart of a movie that addresses mental health issues,” she starts, “They’re so important, and a lot of artists deal with that. And we’ve got to take care of each other. So if you see somebody that’s hurting, don’t look away. And, if you’re hurting, even though it might be hard, try to find that bravery within yourself to dive deep and go tell somebody and take them up in your head with you.”
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that there is an artist who uses their platform in order to help others. As somebody who has struggled with depression and anxiety for years, and sometimes finds it difficult to even get out of bed in the mornings, I was especially moved by Gaga’s speech. Was it perfect? Maybe not. But the fact she would use a moment where all eyes are on her to bring awareness to an issue that is either seen as a joke or ignored altogether is unbelievably inspirational.