Her fans know her above all with a smile on her face. But now Sarah Engels posted a video on Instagram in which she cannot – and does not want to – hold back her tears.
Sarah Engels has been in the spotlight for more than ten years. The musician is always smiling and combative. But now her followers on Instagram got to see a different side of the singer, who became famous in 2011 with her participation in the casting show “Deutschland sucht den Superstar”, from her “fragile” and “sad” side. She is crying.
“And all of a sudden she’s sitting here again… little Sarah, who now has to gather all her courage again and knows that she will fight again to come back even stronger – but yes! It just hurts sometimes,” she writes 32 year old on Instagram.
For days she has been trying to “just carry on” and “not let anything show” – for the sake of the family. “But when I’m alone, it sometimes collapses inside me like a house of cards.” Sarah Engels does not give the reason for her tears.
“I feel like life has tested me a few times this year.” There are turbulent months behind the musician. At the beginning of the year, Sarah Engels had a skiing accident and had to have cruciate ligament surgery. She fought back. In October she injured her knee again, this time while surfing. It was unclear whether Sarah Engels would have to undergo another operation and a long period of rehabilitation.
“I tried again and again to leave these things behind with a positive realization.” She tried to “get back up” and was “grateful for all the positive things” in her life. “But every now and then something comes along that completely slows me down and right now I just feel empty.”
She received “sweet and heartwarming messages” from her fans, for which the singer thanked her the next day. She also explained: ”Today the world looks different again, as life is. Life is and remains a rollercoaster, a rollercoaster of emotions.”
But she thinks it’s important to show her followers her “fragile” and “sad” side. After all, not everything is always “rosy” and “beautiful”. “I feel like life is trying to test me to the core to see how strong I really am.” It is “an endless challenge.” But Sarah Engels now wants to look positively into the future.
Interview: Well-Being in the Spotlight – A Conversation with Dr. Lisa Hartman, Psychologist specializing in Celebrity Mental Health
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Hartman. It’s great to have you with us today. I want to dive straight into the emotional side of public figures, especially after seeing Sarah Engels’ recent tearful Instagram post. What was your immediate reaction to her vulnerability?
Dr. Lisa Hartman (DLH): Thank you for having me. Seeing someone as high-profile as Sarah Engels showcase her emotional side is both powerful and necessary. It challenges the stereotype that public figures must always appear strong and smiley. It reminds us that they are human, just like everyone else.
TNE: Exactly! Sarah described feeling like she had to “just carry on” for her family, which resonates with many. Why do you think public figures, in particular, strive to maintain a façade of strength?
DLH: The pressure in the public eye is immense. Many feel an obligation to uphold a particular image—because of their fans, their careers, and even societal expectations. They often fear that showing vulnerability may lead to a loss of popularity or credibility. This can create a conflict between their genuine feelings and public personas.
TNE: That makes a lot of sense. In her post, Sarah mentioned that when she is alone, her emotions sometimes “collapse inside like a house of cards.” Can you explain the psychological toll of bottling up emotions like this?
DLH: Absolutely. When people suppress their emotions, especially over long periods, it can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation. Emotional bottling acts like a pressure cooker—eventually, it can lead to an emotional breakdown or outburst. It’s essential for everyone, not just public figures, to recognize and process their emotions in a healthy way.
TNE: It’s a troubling cycle. Sarah has expressed her commitment to fighting back and coming out stronger. What are some strategies you would recommend for someone dealing with overwhelming emotions?
DLH: First and foremost, it’s important to validate those feelings. Emotions, whether positive or negative, are valid experiences. Engaging in supportive communities—be it friends, family, or even online forums—can provide comfort. Additionally, practices like mindfulness, journaling, or seeking therapy can help individuals articulate and navigate their feelings constructively.
TNE: Given Sarah’s high visibility, how can her sharing this experience positively impact her audience, especially young fans who look up to her?
DLH: Sharing authentic experiences, even painful ones, can foster a sense of connection and community among fans. It can also normalize discussions around mental health and emotional struggles. When fans see their idols being real and vulnerable, it empowers them to do the same. It sends a message that it’s okay not to be okay.
TNE: That’s such an important message. Given Sarah’s journey, what do you think her next steps should be, both for herself and for her audience?
DLH: Sarah should prioritize self-care and seek the support she needs, perhaps through therapy or engaging in creative outlets that allow her to process her emotions. For her audience, sharing her healing journey and the strategies she employs could provide valuable insights into handling similar feelings. It could open up dialogues about mental health, encouraging others to seek help when needed.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Hartman. This discussion sheds light on the complexities of being in the spotlight and the essential topic of mental health. I appreciate your insights today.
DLH: Thank you for addressing this important topic. It’s crucial that we continue to foster conversations around mental health, especially in the context of fame and public figures.