Celebrities share mental health care tips at Chita Rivera Awards

Chita Rivera Awards held on May 20th^NumberThe 2019 Dance Federation of New York Awards honors excellence in dance and choreography in Broadway, Off-Broadway and film. The star-studded event included appearances by Kristen Chenoweth, Brooke Shields, Huey Lewis, BeBe Neuwirth and David Hyde Pierce, who presented Bernadette Peters with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Proceeds benefited the New York City Dance Federation Foundation, whose mission is to increase awareness of the performing arts while advocating for dance education and high standards of excellence.

I love musicals and celebrities just as much as the next person (maybe even more!). Genuine The reason I attended this amazing awards ceremony was to ask some famous people one question. What do you do to stay mentally healthy?May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As a physician who sees many patients with mental illness and substance use disorders, mental health is very important to me. Unfortunately, people with mental illness still face stigma and don’t get the care they need or deserve. Poor mental health negatively impacts people’s ability to function at home, school, and at work. But the more we, especially public figures, speak openly, honestly, and compassionately about mental health, the more likely we are to reduce stigma and improve access to care and quality of life.

How stars look after their mental health

Bernadette PetersThe recipient of the night’s top honor, she uses a variety of tools to stay mentally healthy: “Meditation is really important – it calms the body and it quiets the mind.” [meditation] I can’t support that [enough]The multitalented Tony and Golden Globe award-winning singer and actress is also an animal rights advocate and co-founded Broadway Barks with Mary Tyler Moore. “Pets are beautiful. They make me smile. They make me feel positive.”

Singer, actress, Kristin Chenoweth“I recently started doing hot yoga,” she shared. Evil She adds that meditation sound baths also bring her peace. “Sometimes you just need 30 minutes to do nothing.” [accompanied by] I also play chimes and sound bowls.” Art, music and dance are part of her DNA, and when I suggest that this may also inform her mental health, the Tony Award winner’s eyes light up. “It’s my therapy. [the arts] I don’t know what to do to get it all out.”

Actress, model, writer Brooke Shields She’s been very open about her experience with postpartum depression and growing up with a mother diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. The mother of two daughters and women’s advocate credits spending time with family and close friends for helping to maintain her mental health.

Broadway Legend Norm Lewis Lewis, who delivered a powerful rendition of Miss Saigon’s “Bui Doi,” looks after her mental health with regular meditation and prayer, as well as “eating right and sleeping right.” As a physician, I said that’s perfect advice! Like Chenowith, Lewis has been candid about the impact of the arts on her mental health. “Art is my church. It’s a gift that I’ve been given, and I just try to hold on to it as best I can.”

The late Rivera’s daughter, Lisa Mordente, also believes pets have a therapeutic effect. “I’ll sit with my dogs and just pet them, run with them, roll around on the floor, and just be with them. They’re my center.” Director and choreographer Kenny Ortega, who held Mordente’s hand for support throughout the red carpet, believes in gratitude. “You just try to live with gratitude, really. It really helps me mentally, emotionally and creatively.”

Rock and roll star Huey Lewis never gave up on making musicals despite being hearing impaired. Rock and Roll Heartcombines geography, mentality and humor. “I live in Montana, where there’s a lot of cheese but not many rats!” The longtime lead singer of Huey Lewis and the News adds, “I’m up against Mother Nature. There’s a lot of critters. I love the outdoors.” As for the music that propelled him to global stardom, he says, “Music is a great thing. It’s a real tonic, you know?”

Science-Based Mental Health Tips

So what does research show as an effective way to take care of your mental health? I have to say that the celebrities I’ve spoken to practice the right self-care strategies. I offer the same clinical advice to my patients: ideally 7-9 hours of sleep each night, regular physical activity, mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, prayer, and simply doing the things you love like listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with supportive family and friends can all help nurture your mental functioning. It’s also important to seek professional help through a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist if needed. Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help. Personally, I do a lot of the same things as the stars I’ve spoken to: daily meditation, playing piano, watching TV, movies, and hockey, exercising, and of course, watching my favorite musicals on Broadway.