Society's understanding of mental health has improved astronomically. Now, people are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that mental illness is no different from physical illness and should be treated accordingly - with everyone being encouraged to take note of the signs that someone is struggling. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people aged between 15 and 24.
This increased awareness can, in part, be credited to celebrities who have used their platform to speak out about their own mental health struggles in the hope that it will encourage others to do the same. After the tragic death of Robin Williams in 2014, seemingly one of the happiest people on the planet, celebrities began to speak out like never before. And one of the biggest mental health advocates is Lady Gaga, as shown by her Grammys acceptance speech last night.
Check out the incredible speech and, even more importantly, her inspiring message below:
This reference to mental health issues was no coincidence, either. Mother Monster's starring role in A Star is Born draws attention to various mental health issues, including addiction. She said that the movie's popularity should be used as an opportunity for celebrities and Average Joes alike to check in with anyone who is hurting.
"If I don't get another chance to say this, I just want to say I'm so proud to be a part of a movie that addresses mental health issues. They're so important," she said, struggling to catch her breath. "A lot of artists deal with that. And we gotta 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."
And the speech was certainly appreciated by many viewers, with some people calling it "the best acceptance speech ever":
Gaga made this speech as she accepted the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her and Bradley Cooper's performance of 'Shallow' in A Star is Born - the 32-year-old's third Grammy win of the night.
Understandably, Gaga also credited her co-star's role in her Grammy win for 'Shallow', saying, "I wish Bradley was here with me right now. I know he wants to be here. Bradley, I loved singing this song with you."
In addition to these impressive three wins, Gaga also won a BAFTA for Best Original Music in A Star is Born.
The 32-year-old's other two Grammy wins were for Best Song Written For Visual Media for 'Shallow' and Best Pop Solo Performance for 'Joanne (Where Do You Think You're Goin'?)'.
This follows on from the singer's statement about mental health in November of last year.
At the Patron of the Artists Award, she said, "When I speak about mental health, especially when I'm speaking about mine, it is often met with quietness. Or maybe, a somber line of fans, waiting outside to whisper to me in the shadows about their darkest secrets. We need to bring mental health into the light."
It's a well-known fact that one in four people will suffer from a mental health condition at some point - even if you're not be affected personally, it's a guarantee that someone you love will be. And none of us would want any of our loved ones, or even ourselves, to suffer in silence, in the shadows, when we can get the help we need in the light.
Hear, hear, Mother Monster!
