Celebrity Stress Thuy Top

The Stresses of Being a Celebrity

Many people are envious of the celebrity lifestyle. Money, travel, glamour and excitement are very desirable and these are just some of the perks that celebrities enjoy. However, there are downsides to being a celebrity. One of them is stress. Some stress is one's life is a good thing, since it motivates us to do the things we need to do. A healthy amount of stress drives us to succeed. "Psychological pressure can make you more attentive, improving your memory and ability to learn" (Schmidt, and Schwabe 22-29). As the Electronic Ardell Wellness Report stated: "Stress is inherent in nearly everything we encounter." But too much stress can have the opposite effect. Celebrities are just like everyone else when it comes to stress. They can suffer mentally, emotionally and physically. To the office worker who was laid off a year ago and still seeking employment, the problems of the rich and famous may seem ridiculous. When one lives in the celebrity world, though, the problems feel just as real. The consequences, if the stress is not handled in healthy ways, can be devastating. The recent and tragic death of singer Whitney Houston showed this to be true.

Charles Figley, PhD., a professor at Tulane University, is an expert on stress and its manifestations. In a survey of top celebrities, he found the top ten stressors to be as follows: the celebrity press, critics, threatening letters/calls, lack of privacy, constant monitoring of their lives, worry about career plunges,...

I was an actress and singer in Viet Nam before deciding to take a break from my career to get a college education in the United States. I know first-hand some of the stresses that celebrities can face. In the entertainment industry, one problem is the uncertainty of employment. Unlike workers who are paid a regular salary, entertainers are often unsure of the nature and duration of their next job. Actors such as Julia Roberts and Angelina Jolie are popular with audiences and both have won Academy Awards. They have the luxury of choosing film roles and they are very well compensated for their work. If they want to take time off to spend with their families, travel, or just relax, they do not have to worry about how they will pay their bills. While there are a number of actors, singers, and models who work regularly and command high salaries, there are many more who scramble to find enough work to make a decent living.
Competition in show business is great, and this is also stressful. When I do a Google search on my own name, my picture and personal information appear on several websites, along with that of other beautiful Asian actors and models. When I was working in the entertainment industry, I continually had to market myself so I would be hired instead of any of the other young women. There are many lovely and talented people in show business and it can be a great deal of work -- and stress…