At the Academy Women’s Luncheon, Selena Gomez, the acclaimed actress and singer, used her platform to shine a light on a vital issue: ensuring accessible mental health resources for underserved communities.
Speaking before a room filled with Hollywood’s elite, Gomez, who openly shares her own mental health journey, including her diagnosis with bipolar disorder, emphasized the importance of collective action. “It’s about working together to ensure that these communities have the support they need,” she declared.
Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund and Rare Beauty makeup line embody this commitment, pledging one percent of all sales to expand mental health services and education for young people.
The Golden Globes double nominee, recognized for her roles in “Emilia Pérez” and ”Only Murders in the Building,” also highlighted the power of connection in navigating personal challenges. “Moments like this, surrounded by these incredible women, remind me that I’m not alone. When we stand together, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond ourselves,” she shared.
The luncheon, held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and sponsored by Chanel, brought together influential women from across the film industry, including Ariana Grande, olivia Wilde, Amy Adams, and Ava DuVernay.Gomez celebrated the event’s focus on amplifying women’s voices,particularly praising the inclusive habitat fostered on the set of “Emilia Pérez.” She credited director Jacques Audiard for valuing every voice and viewpoint, highlighting the importance of community and mutual support, both on set and in life.
The event also served as a platform to champion emerging female filmmakers through the Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, a program that provides essential resources and support. Gomez commended the initiative, recognizing its impact in empowering the next generation of storytellers.
What strategies can be implemented to improve access to mental health resources in underserved communities?
Interview with Mental Health Advocate and Industry expert at the Academy women’s Luncheon
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Lisa Hartman, a renowned mental health expert who has dedicated her career to advocating for mental health awareness and access to resources for underserved communities. Dr. Hartman, thank you for joining us after the enlightening event at the Academy Women’s Luncheon where Selena Gomez spoke passionately about mental health.
Dr. Hartman: Thank you for having me! It was a truly inspiring event, and Selena’s words resonated deeply with everyone in the room.
Editor: Selena Gomez highlighted the need for accessible mental health resources for underserved communities. From your outlook, why is this issue so critical, and what impact does it have on those communities?
Dr.Hartman: It’s crucial as many underserved communities face systemic barriers that hinder their access to essential mental health services. This lack of access results in untreated mental illness, which can lead to more severe health issues, strained relationships, and even increased rates of homelessness and incarceration.By addressing these disparities, we not only improve individual well-being but also foster healthier communities overall.
Editor: Selena also shared her own journey with bipolar disorder. How does sharing personal experiences impact mental health advocacy?
Dr. Hartman: Sharing personal narratives, like Selena’s, plays a vital role in reducing stigma. It encourages others to speak out about their own struggles, creating a culture of openness and support. When public figures share their experiences, it humanizes mental health challenges and highlights that they are common and manageable. This can lead to increased awareness and urgency for advocating accessible mental health resources.
Editor: At the luncheon, selena discussed her Rare Impact Fund, pledging one percent of sales from her Rare Beauty line towards mental health initiatives. What are your thoughts on the intersection of business and mental health advocacy?
dr. Hartman: It’s a fantastic model! By integrating philanthropy into business practices, companies can make significant contributions to social causes while also engaging their consumers. This not only helps fund essential services but also encourages a culture where mental health is prioritized among the consumer base. It’s about collective action, much like Selena emphasized.
Editor: She also mentioned the importance of community and connection. In your experience, how can individuals foster such supportive environments in their own lives?
Dr. Hartman: Building a supportive habitat starts with empathy and open interaction. Individuals can create safe spaces where people feel pleasant sharing their feelings and experiences. Whether it’s through informal gatherings or organized support groups, fostering connection can help combat isolation. Moreover, platforms like the Academy Gold Fellowship for Women are a great initiative to empower emerging leaders and storytellers in this space, amplifying diverse voices that contribute to a richer community narrative.
Editor: The Academy Women’s Luncheon also celebrated initiatives like the Academy Gold Fellowship for Women. Why is it significant to support emerging women filmmakers in the industry?
Dr. Hartman: Supporting emerging female filmmakers not only promotes gender equality but also ensures that diverse stories are told. women bring unique perspectives, experiences, and creativity to the table. By providing these women with essential resources and mentorship, we collectively enrich the film industry, leading to stories that reflect a broader range of human experiences and, importantly, mental health narratives.
Editor: To wrap up, what practical advice would you give our readers who want to get involved in mental health advocacy or support underserved communities?
Dr. Hartman: Start by educating yourself and others about mental health issues and resources in your community. volunteering with local mental health organizations or advocacy groups is also a powerful way to contribute. consider discussing mental health openly within your circles—normalizing these conversations can diminish stigma and encourage those who might potentially be struggling to seek help.
Editor: thank you, Dr. Hartman, for your insightful perspectives and for sharing how we can all contribute to making mental health resources more accessible to everyone.
Dr. Hartman: my pleasure! It’s essential that we all play a role in supporting mental health initiatives. Together, we can create lasting change.