Britney Spears and Moms Supporting Moms

0

Ok, we have to address this, mamas. Most of us by now have watched the New York Times Documentary, “Framing Britney Spears.”  If I would have watched this before becoming a mom, I would have still been heartbroken, but my perspective now is completely different. Just think of all that she has gone through and what her kids see from the media about her. Let’s put it this way…during 2020, new moms self-reported anxiety rising from 29% to 72%.  2020 was very trying as a mom, to say the least, but imagine you’re Britney Spears and all of the extra that goes with that compounded. Although there is still a stigma around mental health, there is also now more awareness and grace around postpartum depression and resources to help moms who are depressed or have anxiety. It’s now a more open conversation led with help, resources, and empathy. It seems like Britney didn’t get that help or grace and instead has been judged and controlled her whole life.

Most moms around my age (turning 40 this year!) gathered with their girlfriends in our high school or college days to watch TRL and see the countdown of the top music videos of the day (when MTV played videos.) Britney was queen. Every music video (and let’s not forget the making of the music videos) was an event. The outfits, the dancing, and the VMA performances—EPIC! I for sure would have seen her during her Vegas residency if I had the chance. I also still play her music in my group fitness classes that I teach, because it’s Britney, B****!

Fast forward to today and seeing her latest Instagram posts and her mental health decline over the past decade and it’s more than heartbreaking. Let’s face it, no one was talking about mental health with empathy back when Brit infamously shaved her head and went after the paparazzi with an umbrella. (I can’t say I don’t blame her after watching the documentary.) We put celebrities on a pedestal and I can’t even begin to understand the amount of pressure Britney has been under since a young age and she finally reached her breaking point. Now, I’m not saying we know the full story behind closed doors and you could say she’s an adult and makes her own choices, but it is pretty obvious she has had some mental health struggles and isn’t getting the help she needs.

Let’s stop to think of Britney Spears as an actual human being for a moment instead of just a product–a celebrity. It would be like going through your high school and college days not knowing who you can trust, people you don’t know constantly asking about your body and your morals, and then your boyfriend and you breaking up and him telling everyone your business and he benefits from it. During all of this, everyone starts talking trash about you, and hoards of people follow you around everywhere you go to see what you will do wrong.  Oh, and then you get married (wasn’t the right fit) and have a couple of kids back to back and file for divorce while probably suffering from postpartum depression and everyone is following you around, even more, to document what you do wrong. If this was your life, you would need some help. However, say everyone around wants something that you have (in Britney Spears case, it seems to be her wealth or her celebrity) and you don’t know who you can trust or where you should go to get help? She needs help and I really hope she gets it for her and her kids’ sake.

So, mamas…let me leave you with this. Moms should support other moms. I’m rooting for Brit and her kids and I truly hope she can find the help and freedom she deserves.  #freebritney

Previous articleI Want to Lose the Baby Weight
Next articleConfessions of A Healthcare Worker
Emily Nichols
Emily and her husband (who is also her high school sweetheart) have lived in Brownsburg since 2004. They have two boys (Dylan & Tyler) that keep them very busy! Emily is a nonprofit professional and also wellness expert. She is a Whole30 Certified Coach and the host of The Self Care Isn't Selfish Podcast. You can also find Emily teaching fitness classes and getting her own butt kicked at Orangetheory. Motivated by her own family's wellness transformation, Emily coaches and helps inspire other busy moms like herself to make their health a priority in their lives, and take the time to put themselves first #selfcareisntselfish Emily loves to write about health, fitness, being a working #boymom and of course self care. You can find her on Instagram and check out her online courses and the podcast at: www.emily-nichols.com