Mohbad and psychological struggles of celebrities

The sparkle, glamour, and unmistakable attraction of popularity frequently mask the psychological effects of becoming a superstar. We are enthralled by the hordes of devoted admirers, immense wealth, and continual media attention that our favourite superstars command. It is simple to believe that they are enjoying their ideal lives. However, many celebrities struggle with a variety of psychological issues on the inside that are kept secret from the general public.

Superstars usually hide their psychological struggles from the broader public and suffer from a range of issues. According to The BBC, celebrities like Olly Alexander, Selena Gomez, and Zayn Malik, have reportedly spoken up about their struggles with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and OCD. The situation is comparable to that of several well-known Nigerians, like Tonto Dikeh, Halima Abubakar, Harrison Okiri (Harrysong), Gbolahan Olajide (Kayvee), Tunji Balogun (TeeBillz), and most recently, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji popularly known as MohBad. Possibilities are high that these individuals have struggled with mental health issues at some point in their lives.

As far back in 2001, John Schumaker, in his work titled, ‘The age of insanity: Modernity and mental health,’ posited that the constant scrutiny and criticism that superstars face can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. By acknowledging these challenges, superstars can work towards developing effective coping strategies and support systems. These psychological burdens further complicate their lives, making maintaining a sense of normalcy and well-being challenging.

Many celebrities are not happy despite their success and wealth. The constant pressure to uphold a public image, fulfil fans’ expectations, and remain relevant can have a detrimental effect on their mental health. Like everyone else, superstars struggle with personal problems, family and health issues. The difference? Their public persona often magnifies their struggles, making it harder for them to seek help or express vulnerability. This can be said about the case of MohBad who, according to many, may not have ended in this manner if he had spoken up earlier. Shortly after MohBad’s demise, we have seen other artists speaking up about the ordeals they faced in the music industry and or under some record label bosses.

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The aura of celebrity means that a superstar’s work and life are perpetually scrutinised in the public eye. While their artistic contributions might receive adoration, any minor misstep or past indiscretion is never too far from becoming front-page news. The public’s insatiable appetite for the good and bad aspects of a star’s life can turn even trivial matters into major controversies. No wonder West and Hunter, in 2007, mentioned in their book titled, “Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-hop Superstar,” that living with the perpetual risk of exposure and judgment, superstars often find themselves walking on eggshells. This ever-present threat can lead to heightened anxiety, paranoia, and significant stress, pushing them further away from a sense of normalcy and privacy. Chang and his colleagues mentioned that “secrets and scandals are inherent in human nature, and superstars are no exception.”

However, for individuals in the public eye, these secrets often carry far more weight and can have significant consequences when exposed. Even a minor mistake or past transgression can quickly escalate into a massive scandal, attracting intense media scrutiny and public attention. The constant fear of exposure can lead to heightened levels of anxiety, paranoia, and immense stress for superstars.

Rojek, in 2012, wrote a book titled, “Fame Attack: The Inflation of Celebrity and its Consequences” and on page 208 of that book, it was mentioned that rapid fame could often create a disconnect between a superstar’s current life and their roots. Unfortunately, this is the reality up to date even in Nigeria, as in most cases, the new environment, filled with luxury and attention, can feel alienating for someone who grew up in entirely different circumstances. This disconnection can lead to identity crises, feelings of isolation, and a yearning for simpler times.

Young stars, in particular, face a unique set of challenges as observed by Mendick and his colleagues in their research work titled “Celebrity, Aspiration and Contemporary Youth: Education and Inequality in an Era of Austerity.” Propelled into the limelight at a tender age, young stars are expected to navigate adult responsibilities, decisions, and scrutiny. This premature exposure can stunt emotional growth, making it challenging to form genuine relationships, handle criticism, or develop resilience.

Every move, tweet, or statement by a superstar is analysed, critiqued, and often blown out of proportion. This constant scrutiny can be mentally exhausting, leading to overthinking, self-doubt, and the feeling of always being ‘on.’ This is not different from the position of Gieseler in his book titled, “The Voices of #MeToo: From grassroots activism to a viral roar.”

The entertainment industry is known for its fickleness. The same people who are celebrated today might be forgotten tomorrow. This transient nature of fame can cause immense anxiety, especially for superstars who fear becoming irrelevant. Overworking, burnout, and mental tiredness can result from this concern. According to research in the Journal of Affective Disorders, people in the spotlight experience anxiety and depression at a higher rate than the average person. According to the study, the dread of fading significantly influences these mental health problems.

Celebrities are frequently under pressure to uphold their public persona and remain relevant, which results in an ongoing demand for approval and attention. The entertainment sector is also incredibly competitive, with fresh talents emerging daily. Due to this competition, established stars may find it challenging to hold onto their prominence. As a result, many celebrities believe they must put in more effort and time than ever before in order to maintain their relevance.

While the world of stardom is filled with undeniable perks, it also comes with a side rarely discussed but keenly felt by those within it. As fans and consumers of media, it is crucial to remember that superstars, despite their larger-than-life images, are humans, too. Empathy, understanding, and giving them space can make a world of difference in their lives.

Importantly, mental health professionals play a critical role in understanding and addressing the unique challenges and stressors superstars and celebrities face. By being well-versed in the unique challenges faced by superstars, a mental health professional can offer invaluable support, ensuring these individuals can enjoy their success while maintaining their mental and emotional well-being. Seeking help does not mean you are sick.

Dr Addah is a psychotherapist and Founder, Mental Health Support Initiative