Mental Health Awareness and Pushing Back Against Bullies, with Pop Singer Meredith O'Connor

Meredith O’Connor is a pop star, anti-bullying activist, and international spokesperson on mental health awareness. Her hit song Celebrity went viral on YouTube in 2013, with more than 2 million views, followed up by The Game, about bullying. This led to a world tour, being featured on Radio Disney and Teen Nick, and eventually an invitation to the United Nations to speak on the topic of bullying.

What you will learn:

• How Meredith defied critics early in her career and proved that there is a sizable audience for songs with positive messages.
• How her own struggles with OCD inspired her to become the role model she wished she had growing up.
• Her thoughts on how widespread COVID anxieties could lead to the destigmatization of mental illness.
• The significance of empathy and education about mental illness, especially for the parents of struggling kids.
• How international success helped show her that no one is alone in their suffering, and made her resolve to help those feeling isolated even stronger.
• How she handles the pressures of being in the public spotlight while managing pre-existing mental health issues.
• The influence Broadway had on her vocal style growing up and how she transitioned to pop music.
• How she collaborates in the songwriting process with her co-writer Heather Holly.
• What it was like learning to play the guitar after receiving a record contract.
• The advice she would give young people who wish to pursue music professionally.
• Why she chooses to embrace social media instead of viewing it as toxic.

Resources:

• http://meredithoconnormusic.com
• Meredith O’Connor’s IMDb page
• Meredith O’Connor’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube