31 May 2024 – The Chita Rivera Awards, held on May 20th, celebrated excellence in dance and choreography on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in film. The event featured stars like Kristen Chenoweth, Brooke Shields, Huey Lewis, Bebe Neuwirth, and David Hyde Pierce, who presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Bernadette Peters. Proceeds benefited the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation, which aims to promote performing arts awareness and advocate for high standards of excellence in dance.
While the glamour and talent on display were impressive, my main goal at the event was to ask several high-profile figures about their mental health practices. As May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a physician caring for patients with mental health and substance use disorders, I understand the importance of mental wellbeing. Stigma still surrounds mental illness, preventing many from receiving the care they need. Open discussions, especially by celebrities, can reduce stigma and improve access to care and quality of life.
Stars’ Mental Health Strategies
Bernadette Peters, the evening’s honoree, emphasizes meditation for mental health. “Meditating is very important. Quieting the body and mind down is remarkable. I can’t advocate for it enough.” Peters, a Tony- and Golden Globe-winning singer and actress, also finds joy in animal welfare. “Pets are beautiful. Seeing them brings a smile to your face; you’re on a road of positivity.”
Kristin Chenoweth has recently incorporated hot yoga and meditation sound baths into her routine. “Sometimes you need 30 minutes of nothing, accompanied by chimes and sound bowls.” Chenoweth also views the arts as therapeutic. “That’s my therapy. If I didn’t have the arts as a way to get it all out, I don’t know what I’d do.”
Brooke Shields has openly discussed her struggles with post-partum depression and her mother’s alcohol use disorder. She finds solace in spending time with her family and close friends, which supports her mental wellbeing.
Norm Lewis, a Broadway legend who performed at the awards, maintains his mental health through meditation, prayer, healthy eating, and adequate sleep. He also finds the arts spiritually fulfilling. “That’s my church. It’s a gift that I’ve been given. I’m just holding onto it as long as I can.”
Lisa Mordente, daughter of the late Chita Rivera, finds pets therapeutic. “I sit with my dogs, connect with them, and just be with them. They are my center.” Filmmaker and choreographer Kenny Ortega, who supported Mordente on the red carpet, believes in the power of gratitude. “Just really work to live in gratitude. That serves me mentally, emotionally, and creatively.”
Huey Lewis, despite his hearing loss, continues to make music and values his environment and humor for mental health. “I live in Montana: more cheese, less rats! I go to Mother Nature. More critters. I love the outdoors.” For Lewis, music remains a vital tonic for his wellbeing.
Science-Based Mental Health Tips
Research supports the self-care strategies mentioned by the celebrities. Effective mental health practices include:
Adequate Sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours each night.
Regular Physical Activity: Engage in consistent exercise.
Mindful Practices: Incorporate meditation, yoga, or prayer into your routine.
Enjoyable Activities: Spend time doing things you love, like listening to music, watching movies, or being with supportive family and friends.
Professional Help: Seek out a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist when needed; there’s no shame in asking for help.
Personally, I follow similar practices: daily meditation, playing piano, watching television, movies, and hockey, exercising, and enjoying Broadway musicals. These activities help maintain my mental wellbeing, just as they do for the stars I spoke with.
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