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Johanna Rozenblum (clinical psychologist)
Previously taboo, the health of stars, physical or mental, is less and less hidden. On the contrary, some celebrities sometimes evoke an illness that gnawed at them several years ago. How to explain this phenomenon ? The answers of Johanna Rozenblum, clinical psychologist and author of “Déconditionnez-vous”, published by Le Courrier du Livre.
Celine Dion, Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, Florent Pagny…. What do all these celebrities have in common? They have at least once spoken publicly about their state of health, following a physical illness or a mental health disorder. And the list is (obviously) far from exhaustive. But why are we so interested in the health of stars? And why do these “people” as they are called, evoke without taboo what is happening to them?
Illness, physical or mental, much less taboo
By doing a quick search on the Internet, we realize that every day, dozens of articles repeat the words of a celebrity who talks about his state of health, whether in an interview, on his social networks, or in a program (or a documentary) dedicated to him. Is illness, in the broad sense, no longer taboo, as it can be for other public figures, such as politicians, for example?
“Today the somatic or psychic illness is much less taboo than a few years ago, indeed. People talk about endometriosis, depression, cancer while teaching about diseases allowing the general public to see them from another angle. Previously, personalities showed up with a much smoother image. Today, the disease is no longer a shame and for many, it helps to better cope with it“confirms Johanna Rozenblum, clinical psychologist.
What is the interest, for the general public, in knowing the health of these celebrities?
But why is the health of public figures so interesting? Media coverage is very important when a star talks about his illness, as was the case recently for Florent Pagny, for example.
According to Johanna Rozenblum, discussing these diseases in the media is of interest to the general public. “This encourages screening, to see the reality of the disease and its consequences and above all thanks to this, sick people will be able to allow themselves to talk about their fight. It is always a support to see that we are not alone, and some patients find courage in the testimonies of public people who inspire them “.
Be careful not to use this means to talk about yourself
It will be understood: a public figure who talks about his illness, whether acute, chronic, physical or mental, is a plus for the general public who realizes that the stars also have their health problems. The limit, on the other hand, concerns those who return to the front of the stage by evoking an illness that affected them a long time ago, simply to get people talking about them. “EIndeed, some people may see the opportunity to profit from the disease. This represents a minority who apparently do not seem to see the indecency of this approach and the suffering it can cause in patients who are struggling on a daily basis. The disease should not be a marketing tool, it is obvious. The word must be used to free the spirit, to testify to a course, to do prevention…”concludes the clinical psychologist.