In recent years, Joshua Bassett opened up about his journey with mental health, revealing that he had been hospitalized after suffering from stress-induced heart failure and septic shock. the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Star has also been transparent about her experience with anxiety and panic attacks. She ever since she told him GQ who has been seeing a therapist, reading self-help books, and journaling.
As one of the cast members of American Eagle’s Members Always, Joshua was associated with Bring change to mind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the 21-year-old actor/musician made a powerful presentation for the organization to destigmatize the shame surrounding mental health.
“Speaking out is the only way we will break down stigmas and realize our shared humanity. Shame cannot survive by speaking out,” Joshua wrote with a clip he posted on Instagram. In the video, he gets emotional as he reads some anonymous responses to a message that asks students to write down something they’re afraid to say out loud.
After reading the responses, which ranged from people who didn’t want to repeat toxic family cycles to fearing they weren’t enough, Joshua closed the conversation with powerful quotes. “In closing, I want to ask the question: who would you be if you weren’t afraid?” he started. “When we break free from the bondage of shame and fear and step into who we really are, there is no limit to what we can become. In a world of darkness, we can be beacons of light. Starting with yourself, when your inner world changes, you see how the world changes, but it starts with you.”
Since the presentation, Joshua met with seventeen about his mental health advocacy work with American Eagle, his next (and first!) tourand the long-awaited third season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
17: He has been candid about his mental health journey over the years and continually uses his platform to provide mental health resources. What inspired you to speak for the first time?
Joshua Bassett: Growing up, there weren’t many people in the entertainment space who were open about emotional well-being. There are so many of us who are hesitant to speak up because we mistakenly believe that we are alone. To find inner peace, we have to be able to show ourselves as our authentic selves in this world, and nothing makes me happier than using my voice to help people.
17: What attracted you to this association with American Eagle and Bring Change to Mind?
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JB: I love how American Eagle’s Forever Members campaign includes humans – it’s about more than just clothes. they are creating a safe space for change and an accepting community. Bring Change to Mind’s mission to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness is very important to me as someone who struggles with myself and knows the power of speaking up and being true to yourself.
17: You have also expressed that therapy has helped you and your mental health in important ways. Is there something you wish someone had told you before seeking professional help?
JB: I think people often wait until things get Really wrong before seeking help, and it doesn’t have to be that way. I wouldn’t wait until seriously ill to get a physical, and I believe routine conversations with someone you can trust are essential to staying healthy. It is also not a sign of weakness, but of strength, that you are able to admit that everyone needs help from time to time. You are not broken by wanting support and help. I made a deal before I started therapy that I would be “honest at all costs” and never looked back.
17: What can fans expect from season 3 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series?
JB: Season 3 is a lot of fun, with the expected drama coming out of the theater kids at summer camp. It felt like season 1 all over again, but fresher and more elevated. Endlessly proud of this show and the safe space it offers!
17: Are there elements of Ricky’s character that you can identify with? What has playing Ricky taught you over the years?
JB: Ricky always tries to do the right thing and be the best person he can be, no matter what life throws at him and that is an admirable trait that I have tried to emulate. Over the seasons, Ricky has really developed a sense of emotional maturity and I think I have and continue to do the same in my own life.
17: You are about to embark on your first world tour. Is there something you’re looking forward to while you’re on the go?
JB: It’s my first tour so I’m really looking forward to the whole experience but most of all playing my songs live in person with fans and connecting with everyone. I am also very excited to play with a band. A dream come true!
17: What advice would you give to your 17 year old self?
JB: I would tell my younger self: always tell your truth. Never settle for anything less than what you deserve. Find a safe space with people you trust, while providing a safe space for everyone you interact with. Also, no matter what difficulties arise, you will always come out the other side stronger than you were before.
Portions of this interview have been edited and summarized for clarity.
Sam is an editorial assistant at Seventeen, covering pop culture, celebrity news, health and beauty. When she’s not covering her cheeks with blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting award shows or doing SwiftToks.
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