During a recent visit to Audacy, Ne-Yo opened up about the importance of talking about mental health, shared how he maintains a healthy balance, especially in the industry that he’s in, and noted how important it is to have an outlet and somebody you trust to talk to.
LISTEN NOW: Ne-Yo on the Importance of Talking About Mental Health
“I feel it is important to continue having conversations about mental health because life is precious and if we're not talking about it, there are dire consequences to that. People taking their lives, people taking other people's lives. None of that needs to happen. So yes, very, very important that we continue the conversation.”
“If there's something going on, talk about it, get it out,” Ne-Yo continued. “That's the best way to solve the problem. You gotta get it out. These conversations need to continue by all means and any means necessary.”
Ne-Yo also noted, “being in the industry that I'm in would definitely challenge your mental health.” Going on to share, “The way that I balance it all out, the way that I navigate it, is by understanding that some things are for the world, and some things are just for me.”
Elaborating, Ne-Yo said, “The music industry will make you feel like you have to give your entire self to your fans — and mind you, there's nothing wrong with giving to your fans — but at the same time, you're a human being. Some things are supposed to be just for you, and I make certain that the things that are for me are for me.”
“I also have locked into the concept that opinions are not important,” he added. “There are people on the face of this planet that don't like me just because, and that's their problem, not mine… And that is one of the ways that I navigate my own personal mental health.”
Noting how being open about mental health has become more prevalent in recent years, Ne-Yo admitted, “I honestly never really gave mental health much of a thought initially, just because it wasn't something that was talked about on a regular basis… Especially as a man, you're going through something, you keep that inside, you know what I'm saying? It's very hard to, especially nowadays, show vulnerability as a man and not get ridiculed for it. So for a long time, there was no conversation, but now that people are actually talking about it…”
“Now that it's OK to express when something is bothering you. When I get those opportunities, I definitely do so with people that I know and trust… that I know aren't judging me or are gonna look at me crazy because of what's going on. I feel like everybody needs an outlet of some sort. Mine is the people around me, my music, art. Figure out what yours is, find an outlet. If you can't talk to a person, journaling works… but find an outlet by all means.”
Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here.