Britney Spears arrested on drunk driving charges in California
Grammy-winning pop star Britney Spears was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Ventura County and released shortly after an early morning traffic stop.
Fans of Britney Spears are worried about her again after she was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in California.
This isn’t the first time the Grammy-winning pop star, 44, has provoked mixed reactions from fans, including concern. And while therapists say these reactions are normal and expected, there are better ways to share your concerns about someone, especially someone you’ve never met.
“As caring and empathetic humans, we’re going to worry about someone, and that’s okay,” psychotherapist Stephanie Serkis previously told USA TODAY. “When you’re observing someone from a distance in a situation like that, people can feel helpless and want to help, but they don’t know how.”
Previously, a social media post of Spears appearing to dance while holding a knife was also a hot topic among fans. Some fans feel extra protective of the star because of her legal battle to be released from her conservatorship, which sparked the #FreeBritney movement. However, it’s important to remember that Spears’ mental health has long been the subject of deep and often inappropriate scrutiny and speculation.
Because mental health remains such a sensitive topic, and because you can’t really make assumptions about what other people are going through, it’s important to focus your comments on your own experiences rather than those of others.
“What I would suggest to people who are witnessing something like this happening is to talk about yourself, talk about your emotions, talk about what’s going on, talk about your reactions to what’s going on,” relationship therapist Philip Lewis previously told USA TODAY. “That’s what you really need to hear.”
What’s more, our feelings toward a celebrity often say more about us than they do about the celebrity, Serkis added. For example, Ms. Spears’ challenges may remind you of times in your own life when you struggled with mental health or when you dealt with a loved one in a similar situation.
“This is a really good opportunity to look at yourself and think, ‘What experiences have I had to go through to connect or identify with this?'” Serkis said. “It’s simple. You feel like you don’t fit in, you feel that society doesn’t accept you.”
And it’s not just Spears’ supporters who will benefit from such reflection. Trolls and keyboard warriors also need to take a hard look in the mirror, Lewis said.
“I would tell them the same thing,” Lewis said. “What happened to make us react this way? Is there a way to be more compassionate and empathetic?”
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Spears’ rep said in part, “We hope she gets the help and support she needs during this difficult time.”
“Her sons will be with her. Her loved ones will come up with the necessary plans that were overdue to prepare her for success in her well-being,” the spokesperson added.
