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Crazy Smart Asia
Musician and Actor Nadine Lustre On Music, Fame And Mental Health
Gen.T’s podcast Crazy Smart Asia explores the unexpected stories of Asia’s disruptors.
One in four people will struggle with depression and other mental health issues at some point in their lives. For entrepreneurs, that number doubles to one in two.
As we approach the third year of the pandemic, with the added stress, uncertainty and loss we’ve all felt still bubbling beneath the surface, now more than ever we need to be mindful of our mental health.
For Nadine Lustre, it starts with awareness. The actor, singer, activist and entrepreneur has long been vocal about her own mental health battles, in the hope of ending the stigma around the subject in her native Philippines.
And then, everything changed for Nadine. Her brother, who was also battling his own demons, took his own life, leaving Nadine to ask if there was anything more she could have done to help him.
In response, she’s doubled down, working with other public figures to launch startup MindYou, which aims to make mental health more accessible and cheaper in the Philippines. She’s also been increasingly forthright in sharing her own struggles with depression, to spread the message to people at their lowest that they’re not alone, that help is available—including a major revelation in this episode that she’s never shared publicly before.
In a candid conversation, Nadine lays everything on the table, discussing music, fame and the mantra that helps her get through the toughest times.
RUNNING ORDER:
- Introduction from Gen.T’s regional managing director, Tamara Lamunière
- Quickfire round (2m 00s)
- Who is Nadine Lustre? (4m 30s)
- Dealing with childhood fame (5m 50s)
- Identity crisis (9m 30s)
- Dealing with the pressures of fame (11m 40s)
- Standing up food yourself (14m 00s)
- Helping people get access to care with MindYou (17m 30s)
- Battling the stigma around mental health (19m 10s)
- Coping after her brother’s suicide (24m 50s)
- Suicidal thoughts (27m 50s)
- The power of sharing your experiences (30m 20s)
- Social media and mental health (32m 50s)
- Innovating with new formats and styles of music (36m 20s)
- Interview with Grace Tam, Chief Investment Adviser, Hong Kong at BNP Paribas Wealth Management (40m 40s)
- The success difference (44m 00s)
- A question no one has ever asked (45m 20s)
- Final thought (49m 20s)
If you’re struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please remember that help is always at hand. Refer to this list of suicide crisis lines around the world to get help wherever you are.
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