Footage has emerged of Kehlani taking time during a recent performance in Oakland, California to discuss mental health and suicide prevention. Earlier this year, the young artist was hospitalised following a suicide attempt, prompted by a series of gossip-mongering posts on social media.
We’re so excited and proud of Kehlani, having since recovered, publicly discussed her attempt, has resumed performing, and even releasing a moving new single titled 24/7. Last month, Kehlani embarked on a short tour, during which the footage below was recorded. Kehlani gives the audience a short but profound motivational speech, during which she reveals that this was not the first attempt she has made on her life, and asks her audience to care for themselves, and others around them.
Tell someone, and please don’t try it. Don’t do it,” she says. “It wasn’t a first time thing – and that’s not okay – for anyone. Not the people who love you, the people who care about you, the people who love you.”
She implores her audience to use the Suicide Prevention Hotline in the US, and announces she will be working with the organisation a lot in future.
“It’s something that so many young people are dealing with,” Kehlani said. “And so many young people slip under the rug, like depression, severe anxiety, and many disorders that people know nothing about.”
“If you have a friend and they’re scaring you a little, just love them. Just hug them, and love them up, and tell ’em that it’s good, okay.”
“And from me to you, you are worth it, you are perfect, you need to be here, every single one of you.”
“This is my first show back after a while, and I’m very thankful that it’s in the Bay Area. This is one of the first genuine smiles in a few weeks,” she says to the cheering crowd.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide get help immediately. Choose life – not suicide. Call Lifeline 13 11 14.
Image: David Camarena / Instagram