Helen Mirren on staying sane in the Kardashian era
With the rise in awareness of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, ‘self-worth’ and ‘self-doubt’ are two phrases that feel very prevalent right now. Both were the focus of Dame Helen Mirren and L’Oreal Paris UK’s general manager Adrien Koskas live session in Cannes Lion yesterday.
Earlier this year, L’Oreal Paris teamed up with the Prince’s Trust to offer a series of workshops to help struggling young people and build-up their self-worth. Mirren has played a prominent role in the star studded campaign, which also includes Cheryl and Katie Piper, and her live session was another event designed to highlight the confidence issues that young people struggle with today.
When we asked Mirren after her live session why she feels it has all come to the boil now, she said, “I’m sure it has a lot to do with social media, and rise of online bullying and people expressing their inadequacies online. Reality TV and the promotion of glamour and beauty expressed by the likes of the Kardashians is likely to have played a part too. “They create the sense that you have to have the perfect life with the perfect handbag et cetera, and if you don’t then you feel bad.”
Mirren isn’t alone in her opinions. Today, a small survey conducted by the Nuffield Council found that 67 percent of 18 to 35 year olds need to take an average of six photos before they feel confident enough to share them on social media. The survey also pinpointed reality TV stars as a bad influence on young people. “Unfortunately the young are heavily influenced by reality TV stars who openly flaunt their cheap and unnatural looking cosmetic procedures,” Dr Ravi Jain, a leading aesthetic doctor said. These “stars” underestimate the influence they have on the young and are also ignorant of the psychological and physical consequences of any cosmetic procedure be it skin care, injectables or surgery.”
While Mirren doesn’t think the answer lies in young people giving up social media or switching off the TV, she does have some words of wisdom. “A lot of people feel alone at this time, but the most important element is understanding that you’re not alone. Others are going through the same thing as you,” she said. “There isn’t a tip or piece of advice that works for all. I think ‘fake it’ is a good one, but going to the gym isn’t bad either. Exercising is a very good way of controlling your mind. Yoga is all about meditative practices.”
