Halle Bailey Started Protecting Her Mental Health in Her Teens
Halle said taking on superstar responsibilities at a young age forced her “to learn how to organize the compartments in my brain, especially when you have a lot going on.”
(Paras Griffin via Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Chicago — Halle Bailey recently shared that from an early age she’s had to prioritize her mental health. She grew up in the public eye, touring with her sister Chloe at 13. They were discovered by Beyoncé and signed to Parkwood Entertainment in 2015. They have since been nominated for four Grammys.
In an interview with Yahoo Life, she said taking on superstar responsibilities at a young age forced her “to learn how to organize the compartments in my brain, especially when you have a lot going on.”
“I'm doing a lot and days go by fast, but sometimes they're long and you just have to look out for yourself,” the 22-year-old said. “Even now this morning, like my throat is dry and itchy, and my nose is a bit stuffed up and congested and for my allergies, Zyrtec is the one thing that helps me feel a lot clearer and just ready to take on the day.”
With prominent roles in heavy-hitting projects like “The Little Mermaid” and the musical film version of “The Color Purple”, in addition to her successful music career has come increasing interest in her personal life. Since a lot of fans met her as a teenager, she said it can be difficult for them to see her as an adult. She expressed gratitude for the support but also sees a need to set boundaries.
"It's definitely been a learning experience for me. And the beautiful people that have supported me and stuck with me for a very long time, can continue to support what I do publicly in my business affairs, and I really appreciate that, but everything else is my business. And I have to make that priority," she says.
Halle prioritizes her mental well-being through making jewelry, music, going to beaches, going hiking or just putting her feet in the grass. Nonetheless, she said she knows that life has its low moments and she’s comfortable being honest about them.
"I'm like seven and a half, eight, mentally. And that's like, you know, a good day, because especially when you're moving super fast and busy all the time, schedules get crazy and hectic, it's hard sometimes to really check on how you're doing mentally," she said.