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Rapper CupcakKe Hospitalized After Posting Worrisome Suicide Tweet

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Sometimes the news isn’t as straightforward as it’s made to seem. Juliette Virzi, The Mighty’s mental health editor, explains what to keep in mind if you see this topic or similar stories in your newsfeed. This is The Mighty Takeaway.

Editor's Note

If you experience suicidal thoughts, the following post could be potentially triggering. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.

U.K. rapper CupcakKe is reportedly safe following posts on her Instagram and Twitter claiming she was “about to commit suicide.” The rapper, who has spoken about suicidal thoughts and past trauma in her music before, was taken to the hospital by Chicago police for “mental evaluation” according to BBC News.

Fellow musicians and fans of the rapper responded to her social media posts with love and support, urging her to get help.

The rapper responded on Twitter to the outpouring of support on Tuesday. She wrote:

I’ve been fighting with depression for the longest ..sorry that I did it public last night but I’m ok .I went to the hospital & im finally getting the help that I need to get through , be happy , & deliver great music . thanks for all the prayers but please don’t worry bout me

CupcakKe isn’t the first celebrity to post about experiencing suicidal thoughts on social media. Last month, comedian Pete Davidson, who lives with borderline personality disorder (BPD), shared he struggled with not wanting “to be on this earth anymore.

When celebrities post about feeling suicidal on social media, it can stir a lot of feelings in folks. Some might believe the behavior is “attention-seeking,” while others might feel hopeless in their own circumstances if a celebrity they look up to is also struggling with their mental health.

Here are some things to remember when you see celebrities post about suicidal thoughts:

1. It’s helpful to think of these posts as “support-seeking” instead of “attention-seeking.”

Rather than demonizing people as “attention-seekers” who post about their mental health in a highly public way, it’s helpful to think about what’s going on underneath. More often than not, people are in a lot of pain and simply don’t know how to ask for help.

The negative connotation surrounding the term, “attention-seeking” was something Mighty contributor Claire Phillips struggled with herself. In her piece, “The Words My Therapist Said That Completely Changed How I View ‘Attention-Seekers,’” she wrote about how her therapist helped free her from self-shame.

My therapist listened patiently, waiting for me to finish. Her words that followed provided me with more comfort than anything that had been said to me for a long time.

“‘Attention-seeking’ is hardly a swear word. I see all of your actions as a cry for help. You were desperate. You needed support and you asked for it. You did it in the wrong way sometimes. But we can work on that. You need help. You simply need to learn how to ask for it.” 

While there are perhaps more productive ways of reaching out for help when you’re suicidal, if you’ve ever posted on social media about it, you’re not alone and you’re not unworthy of support. Talk to a therapist about developing a plan for seeking support in times of crisis.

2. It’s OK to take a break from the news if you’re feeling triggered.

Be kind to yourself if something a celebrity says is triggering or distressing for you. It’s OK to take a step back and disengage from the news cycle for a bit. Do something to take care of yourself in those moments — whether it’s taking a bubble bath, walking your dog or just taking a nap. Don’t feel guilty for unplugging and ignoring the conversation if that’s what you need to do.

3. If you are feeling suicidal, there are resources available to you.

If you’re feeling suicidal right now, you’re not alone. Below you’ll find some stories you might relate to that have helped countless people going through tough times. We also have a comprehensive list of suicide prevention resources if you’re in a crisis. Check it out here.

I Want You to Want to Live

When You’re in the Gray Area of Being Suicidal

What People Who’ve Been Suicidal Want to Tell Someone Who’s Suicidal Today

Image via Creative Commons/Azealiaisbetter

Originally published: January 9, 2019
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