19 Celebrities Who’ve Opened Up About Their Experiences As Child Stars
"I’ve had so much pain, so much anguish, and so much abuse in my life that most people probably would be dead."
Los Angeles, CA – During a compelling panel discussion at the recent Teen Vogue Summit, acclaimed actress Raven-Symoné delivered a powerful message on mental health, highlighting a significant generational shift in how mental well-being is perceived and supported within the entertainment industry. "People care more about your mental health [now]," Raven-Symoné stated, contrasting it with her own experiences. She recounted a past era where "they didn't care about our mental health. They sent us out and kept sending us out." This candid reflection resonated with attendees, many of whom are part of a generation actively advocating for greater mental health awareness. Raven-Symoné detailed the intense pressure on young performers of her generation, where refusing work for personal reasons was not an option. "If you said no, well, somebody else is going to take your job. How do you feel about it?" she explained, adding that the prevailing attitude was, "You cannot stop. And if you stop, 'Why, you're young? You can sleep when you're older.' And that is not healthy." This culture, she suggested, often forced young individuals to prioritize career demands over their personal well-being, leading to potential long-term psychological impacts. She expressed a sense of relief and hope for today's young talent, noting, "I experienced this on one of the shows where they brought in a therapist for the kids." This initiative, she implied, was a welcome change from the past, underscoring the growing recognition of mental health's importance in demanding careers and marking a positive step forward for youth in the public eye.
"I’ve had so much pain, so much anguish, and so much abuse in my life that most people probably would be dead."

"I’ve had so much pain, so much anguish, and so much abuse in my life that most people probably would be dead."
