Jussie Smollett Needs Mental Health Support Now More Than Ever

Written By: Mental Health Coach Joseph Bonner

Twitter: @mrjosephbonner

It is obvious that the national community is both hurt and disappointed in the allegations that Jessie Smollett staged his own attack, but the reality is that Jessie Smollett has suffered from a mental health crisis and no body's talking about that.

Let's talk about how he has faced a mental health crisis if the allegations are 1st false, and 2nd if the allegations are true.

If the allegations are false, Smollett is being accused of a lie that could result to time in prison. The emotional and mental impact that results from extreme anxiety would most certainly apply in this situation.

The amount of stress he is under now by having the world as he knew it metaphorically swept from under his feet can result in depression and suicidal tendencies.

Those close to him must make sure that they are providing him with ample emotional and mental support and implore that he see a professional to get help through this difficult phase of his life.

If the allegations are true, here is what we know about Smolette's situation.

He was under extreme stressed about the amount of money he made on EMPIRE. This stress can be termed an emotional conflict.

When people emotionally feel that they have been backed into a corner and they can't handle the emotional stress they will sometimes do irrational things to (fight) or flee from their situation.

When a person experiences a stressful event, the area of the brain that contributes to the emotional process, called the amygdala, sends a distress single to the hypothalamus, which gives the body the energy to fight or run from a situation,' according to Harvard University.

Also, 'anxiety is usually triggered by a deep-seated emotional conflict or a traumatic experience.'

Some people may lie, cheat and steal to deal their emotional conflict.

In the case where people lie in an effort to end their real or perceived suffering, it is a mental indication that the person feels that they have exhausted all avenues to cope with their problem appropriately and are now ready to engage in unhealthy and extreme measures to address their emotional conflict.

So, how do we know that Jussie Smollett has suffered a mental health crisis?

Well, that's the easy part. Anyone in their right mind would not see any link between staging an attack on themselves and reaching their goal to secure a better deal on their contract. It's a highly illogical and irrational response and it's very clear that Smollett's flight or fight response kicked in, motivating him to orchestrate a ridiculous staged attack.

While Smollette should be held responsible by the law for trying to fraud the Justice System, he also should seek professional help.

It is my guess that there are other emotional conflicts Smollette is battling in his heart and the best thing for him now would be getting support in dealing with his past and present emotional stress and trauma.

For example, Smollett could speak to a physician about anxiety disorders.

Treatments can include Psychodynamic psychotherapy, talk therapy, and medication.

We are all battling our emotional demons on a daily basis. So I truly wish him the best and pray that he will find the strength and comfort he needs the most right now.