This will sound like tabloid nonsense but there is a big point:
Justin Bieber is being treated for depression and anxiety. Recently married, he is very happy with his relationship. According to his friends, he is worried about his future career.
For those old enough to remember the iconic TV show Eight is Enough, I have some sad news to report. 4 of the actors who played the children have had terribly challenging lives due to failed mental health. Indeed, the proliferation of child actors who have horrible adult lives has made such stories cliche.
A common reaction when hearing tales of the rich and famous suffering emotionally is perplexity: “these people are wealthy and are all set financially, why are they in such dire mental straits?”
It is really tough to hit one’s peak at a young age. Unless the person is emotionally healthy, there will be a natural desire to only take on projects that will exceed prior success. When it becomes clear that this either won’t happen – as is the case with most child actors – and/or that it will be extremely tough – my guess as to why Bieber is ailing – then complacency, followed by despondency sets in. Not striving – as in not seeking to progress – is unhealthy for many.
To be clear, there is a difference between healthy and neurotic striving. The former is good at any age. That’s one of the reasons we all cheer older athletes.
Our career counseling clients in their 40s and 50s who are gainfully employed but just “living out my days”, as one client said, almost always feel mildly depressed.
Most of us will work until at 70, some even longer. Are you really going to settle for mildly depressing work for 20 plus years? Contact us now.