Rising R&B superstar Summer Walker has been transparent about the mental health struggles she’s been facing. Balancing a red hot career with her sometimes crippling social anxiety has proved to be a challenge for the singer. Following the successful release of her debut album Over It, Walker had to abruptly cancel two dozen of her U.S. tour dates in order to safeguard her mental health.
Since then, Walker has been challenged on social media by people who question why she would “choose to be famous” knowing she suffers from such a condition. Talk show host Wendy Williams even was among Walker’s critics, questioning why Walker would dare perform in sexy outfits having social anxiety.
Recently, Walker cleared the air during an Instagram live session, reiterating that social anxiety is no laughing matter. This was particularly in reference to her 2019 Soul Train Awards acceptance speech that became a meme.
“I can’t even accept an award in peace,” Walker said. “You see how I spoke…I was scared. Everyone else gave a long ass speech. I didn’t because I have social anxiety.”
She goes on to address the people who seem to think her social anxiety is all an act. “I just want to let y’all know—not me b*tch because I’m living a great life—but this is how people commit suicide. When people tell you what’s literally going on with them and then people still continue to bully them.”‘
Social anxiety, according to the National Institue Of Mental Health, affects about 7% of the U.S. population and is characterized by more than just shyness. It is “an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others.” Some people with the disorder have “performance anxiety” where they feel physically ill when they have to go on stage or speak in front of strangers. Symptoms include nausea, trembling, a rapid heart rate, and intense sweating.
Walker has also be scrutinized for not living up to the vivacious personality that she displays on social media. According to cognitive behavioral therapist Larry Cohen the internet is a different beast entirely. “For some people who are socially anxious, social media, as well as written communication, is relatively easy. If you think about it, it’s control,” Cohen told Vice. “They can spend as much time as they want getting the words out, getting the pictures out, and presenting it exactly how they want.”
Social anxiety disorder is treated with psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk” therapy), medication, or both. In a recent tweet, Walker claimed she wanted to help educate the masses on her condition and debunk any myths.