I went through pretty hard times with my mental health: Cara Delevingne

Actor, supermodel talks about her younger days, being a role model and upcoming book ‘Mirror Mirror’


Entertainment Desk October 07, 2017
PHOTO:FILE

She's the model and actor that has just released her debut novel Mirror Mirror, aimed at teenagers. And during an interview on Thursday, Cara Delevingne opened up about what life was like for her during her younger years. “I went through a pretty hard time in terms of mental illness,” Daily Mail quoted the 25-year-old as telling the show's panel.

Cara, who appeared on the program via a satellite link from London, revealed why she chose to write a novel aimed at teenagers. “I've spoken about a lot of the things I went through. I think being a teenager is really hard,” the Paper Towns star said. “It's one of the times in your life where all the hormones...it's a turbulent roller coaster of feelings and emotions and not quite knowing who you are.”

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The budding starlet admitted that she too went through her own struggles. “You know, I went through a pretty hard time in terms of just mental health and other sorts of things. For me, it was also a beautiful time where I came up with a lot of things that made me who I am,” Cara shared. “And ever since then, it was my duty I feel, to give something back to teenagers.”

The Suicide Squad star went on to give an important message to teens, stating, “It doesn't matter if you don't know who you are. It doesn't matter if you feel different or like an alien, because everyone else does. But it's important to communicate those feelings, instead of bottling them all up.”

Cara's novel follows outsiders Red, Leo, Rose and Naomi and their attempt to battle their personal and family issues while finding solace in their newly-formed band called Mirror Mirror. The social media sensation, who counts Rihanna and Kendall Jenner as friends, previously told Elle UK, “I've always had this wonderful connection with teenagers. Just having girls message me like, ‘I'm really dealing with the pressure of my thoughts, my friends, eating disorders…’ That kind of thing, where I was like, I have an opportunity to really be there for them and help…be a voice for teens and be honest as to how I suffered as a teenager.”

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It’s truly commendable how at 25 years of age, Cara has taken on the responsibility of being a role model so well. She has become known for her honesty and hates being labelled, whether in her career or sexuality. The talented youngster speaks her mind about issues such as mental health, suicide, self-harm, body image, sexual identity, bullying – and she lets them know they aren't alone. Clearly, she is destined to help others.

“If I hadn't gone into acting, I wanted to be a child psychologist or a therapist,” she confessed. “The way people are with each other in relationships – I find that so interesting! When I started acting and putting myself in other people's shoes, it made me much more aware. Every movie I've done has made me realise certain things about myself and the way that I can connect with other characters.”

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