Nowadays it is very important for artists to be active on social media, in order to promote their work. In our community – the world of female-fronted-metal-fans – we are very lucky to often have direct contact with our idols, have them as Facebook-friends and answering our messages. However, we rarely think about this contact having a negative effect on them.

Lindsay Schoolcraft tells her story.

In a public Facebook-post on her personal profile, CRADLE OF FILTH-keyboarder and solo-artist Lindsay Schoolcraft opened up about how the interaction with fans on and off social media has affected her mental health:

“In the past month I have been physically attacked, witnessed suicide, been consistently stalked and badgered online, and have had many attempts of manipulation towards me (some of which people have threatened their own life because I can’t talk to them right there and then.)”

Lindsay has reportedly been suffering from anxiety and depression because of these experiences, which we can totally understand and relate to. But rather than complaining, the Canadian singer wants to speak up for fellow artists, who might go through similar situations:

“I’m posting this for artists out there who may suffer under the unfair demands of fans in this modern social media age who feel it’s ok to make their favourite artists their therapists, when in turn it should just be about the music helping them. […] But once they start blaming their problems on the artist and consistently lash out in anger because (i.e.) we can’t reply on time, that is completely unfair and NOT OK.”

She continues to say that she has always been very supportive of her fans, but at some point it is necessary to draw the line and look after oneself. This leads back to where her statement started, which she titled “#mentalhealthawareness”.

We support Lindsay’s appeal: take care of your mental health.

Lindsay ends her post by encouraging people to take responsibility of their own mental health and seek either individual or group therapy if needed:

“Truth is, it’s extremely exhausting to live under the pain of mental illness and getting help is the first step. It just starts with asking or doing your researching locally on google.”

There is stigma and prejudice surrounding mental illness and psychological therapy, which is why we fully support Lindsay‘s call for Mental Health Awareness. I personally think seeking professional help on these issues is nothing to be ashamed of – I even think EVERYBODY should see a therapist now and then. We all go to physicals and cancer check ups, we get our teeth and eyes looked at so why neglect our mental health?!

Don’t forget Mental Illness is not only clinical depression or bipolar disorder, it can also develop from stress. With Burnout Syndrome on the rise – remember Floor Jansen in 2011 – we should all be aware of what we put our minds through and seek help in time.

You can read Lindsay‘s full post – that has gotten lots of positive feedback – here:

Don’t forget to share our article, in support of #MentalHealthAwareness.