Kesha pens op-ed on mental health and self care for holidays
The end-of-year holiday season can be an overwhelming time filled with pressure, family drama, and seemingly endless to-do lists, but Kesha wants everyone who struggles with mental illness to know: "It’s not selfish to take time for yourself."
As part of TIME's partnership withOptionB.Org —Sheryl Sandberg’s nonprofit initiative focused on helping people facing challenges in life — the Grammy-nominated singer penned an op-ed focused on the difficulties of maintaining one's mental health during the holidays.
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In the piece, Kesha shared her own personal holiday experiences along with self care tips for the upcoming weeks.
"The holidays break your routine. Sometimes, you’re forced to spend time with family you rarely see and don’t always get along with. Or maybe you’re alone when everyone else is with family. Or you are off from work, with more time to think troubling thoughts," she wrote. "Or you are at work and can’t be with those you love. Or you are thrust into party situations that tempt your demons. Or you aren’t invited to those tempting parties."
The singer acknowledged that the holidays throw the unexpected your way, which can be trying for some. It was during the holidays that she decided to seek help for her eating disorder, she revealed.
Despite the end-of-year stresses, Kesha has developed a mantra to help her stay strong: "It’s not selfish to take time for yourself."
The singer suggested taking a step back from the holiday hustle and bustle by taking a walk outside, chatting with someone you trust, meditating, or simply taking some time to be alone.
"Just do whatever helps you calm down and gives you a break from the stress," she wrote. "It’s not your responsibility to try to make the whole world happy ... If you take a little time for yourself, you will actually be much better company for those around you."
2017 has been a big year for Kesha. The singer has been very open about her own mental health struggles and battle with former music producer, Dr. Luke. And her latest album, Rainbow, just scored her a Grammy nomination.