She's an internationally-acclaimed, multi-award-winning pop star who has just announced a world tour, but one of Benee's greatest achievements of late may well be the way she's taken care of her mental health.
From 'Supalonely' to super stardom, she could easily have had us believe the past few years have been nothing but a glorious whirlwind of mounting success. Instead, she's let us in on her feelings of depression, anxiety and more recently, her battle with OCD, which she was diagnosed with earlier this year.
From her annual crying montages shared to social media on World Mental Health Day to her highly vulnerable and honest lyrics, the 21-year-old is up front about her struggles, and reassures her fans they can be, too.
With Aotearoa emerging blinking and bleary-eyed into the summer sun after an emotionally draining year of COVID-19 lockdowns and alert levels, many Kiwis are more anxious than they've ever been.
With that in mind, Benee shared with Newshub the simple things she finds most helpful when she's feeling her worst.
Benee's Tips for Blue Days:
- Get up
- Get changed
- Go for a walk
- Get a dog - or better yet, rescue one
- Listen to 'Good Days' by SZA
- Go to the beach
- Hang out with people who you love
- Eat good food
- Be kind to yourself
- Just keep on going!
Of course, seeking professional help is the best option for anyone feeling down, anxious or helpless. Benee is enthusiastic about how important going on medication and receiving a formal diagnosis was to helping her reach a much better place.
"It's been great, it was such a relief," she told Newshub.
"This has been the worst year ever but it's not going to get worse. I feel like it's going to get a lot better."
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584