In an interview with Rolling Stone, Willow Smith has discussed her experiences with anxiety, depression and self-harm from a young age. She reveals that she started experiencing anxiety at six years old, and that she has been on a long journey to understand and cope with her mental health struggles since then. Willow says she felt like she was living in a “prison” because of her anxiety, but over time, she learned to identify her triggers and develop coping mechanisms to manage her anxiety. Willow has also been open about the importance of therapy, family and friends in her healing journey.
Willow Smith Opens Up About Her Mental Health Struggles in New Interview
Willow Smith, daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, recently opened up about her struggles with mental health in a new interview with Rolling Stone.
The Struggle with Anxiety
Willow revealed that she has struggled with anxiety since she was a young girl. She recalls an instance when she was only 6 years old and was playing her first-ever piano recital when she had a panic attack on stage. This started a long journey for Willow, as she tried to understand and cope with her anxiety.
She talks about how she would feel constantly overwhelmed, as if everything was always too much. Willow also mentions that she felt like she was living in a “prison” because of her anxiety. However, over time, she learned to identify her triggers and develop coping mechanisms to manage her anxiety.
Depression and Self-Harm
Willow also revealed that she has struggled with depression and self-harm. She talked about how she felt like she had a “hole in her chest” and an overwhelming feeling of sadness that she couldn’t shake off.
This eventually led to her self-harming as a way to cope with her emotions. Willow revealed that she would cut herself as a way to “release emotional pain”. However, she realized that this was not a healthy coping mechanism and sought help.
Getting Help
Willow talks about how she reached out to her mother for help and started seeing a therapist at the age of 14. She said that therapy has helped her understand herself and her emotions better.
She also talks about the importance of friends and family in her journey to healing. Willow mentioned that her brother Jaden Smith has been a huge support system along with her mother and grandmother.
Ending the Stigma
Willow is using her platform to spread awareness about mental health and break the stigma surrounding it. She wants people to know that it is okay to seek help and take care of your mental health just as much as your physical health.
Her openness about her struggles is a reminder that no one is alone and that it is okay to ask for help.
FAQs
1. What is Willow Smith known for?
Willow Smith is known for being the daughter of actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. She is also a singer, actress, and model.
2. When did Willow Smith start experiencing anxiety?
Willow Smith recalls experiencing anxiety since she was a young girl, with her first panic attack occurring at the age of 6 during a piano recital.
3. How did Willow Smith cope with her anxiety?
Willow Smith learned to identify her triggers and developed coping mechanisms to manage her anxiety.
4. What mental health struggles has Willow Smith talked about?
Willow Smith has talked about her struggles with anxiety, depression, and self-harm.
5. Who has been a support system for Willow Smith?
Willow Smith’s brother Jaden Smith, mother Jada Pinkett Smith, and grandmother have all been a huge support system for her.
6. What is Willow Smith doing to break the stigma around mental health?
Willow Smith is using her platform to spread awareness about mental health and break the stigma surrounding it. She wants people to know that it is okay to seek help and take care of their mental health just as much as their physical health.