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Content warning: This article contains references to suicidal thoughts.
On the surface, Shanti Das was a symbol of success. She had her six-figure job, driving expensive cars and working with top hip-hop artists like Usher and OutKast as well as her R&B artists. She has held numerous leadership positions with renowned record labels such as Capitol Records, LaFace Records and Sony Music. But Das stepped away from music when her mental health took a turn for the worse, and she knew something needed to change.
“I was like, ‘I can’t do this anymore,’ and this is something I’ve worked hard for my whole life,” Das said. “It just happened one after another. I had a mental breakdown at the airport and was like, ‘I don’t have to do this anymore.'”
On Wednesday night, Das, a graduate of the Newhouse School’s Television, Radio, and Film Program, will be part of the Leaders of the Communications Speakers series, discussing her journey in the entertainment industry and helping demystify mental health stigma. She also shared her experiences founding a non-profit organization. shame of silenceworks to destigmatize mental health and reduce disparities in access to mental health care among different socioeconomic groups.
But Das wasn’t always aware that she was depressed and needed help. She recalled calling her time at SU her “bad days”.
She worked hard in her classes, held leadership positions in student organizations such as Z-89 Radio, and eventually landed an internship at Sony Music right out of college. Then four months later she was hired by LaFace Records as her director of promotions.
The “change” happened for Das when her job brought her to New York City. That’s when the fast-paced, stressful entertainment industry engulfed her life. It was her first time working in a corporate environment. Her natural music was her round the clock, which she said made it even harder.
“Boundaries were not established. I would have been working day and night. “I started wearing baggy clothes to distract attention so I didn’t have to deal with sexual advances. That was it.”
Clearly, Das was in pain. She said her depression had deepened to the point where she began to question whether her life was even worth continuing.
“I went home to my then-boyfriend and said, ‘I don’t know if this is for me.’ Maybe I should kill myself,” Das said. I think you hear people throw the words out, sometimes I pretend, but when I hear someone say that, I have to take it seriously.”
Das then begins therapy and decides to actively work to improve her mental health. As she reflected on her life and her work, she began to realize that her passion no longer followed the path of entertainment.
Das believes that if she felt the same way she did — suffering in silence — there are probably countless others who felt the same way, but who felt compelled to hide because of the stigma. I found myself in Then it clicked. Stepping away from her role in Universal Music, Das seized a chance to change the perception of mental illness in the music industry and formed Silence the Shame.
“When I had a Range Rover in my corner office, I was making $500,000 a year. “I wouldn’t say I wish things were better, but I wish there was a better way to deal with it.”
Das’ message resonated with audiences, many of whom were students. Public relations student Julia Stohl says Das’ story is a common one in today’s work-oriented society, and the message that it’s okay to be vulnerable and put yourself first is something every young person needs to hear. I felt that
“Often, people in high-end businesses don’t feel like they’re going through the same hardships as everyday people,” says Stehr. “I understand how important it is for someone in the industry to be vulnerable with these things. So we all learn it’s okay.”
Another student in attendance, sophomore Grace Piatko, studying broadcast and digital journalism, reiterated the importance of feeling seen and validated. Surrounded by her well-performing students, Piacco struggled with self-comparison and admitted that she often felt very alone.
However, hearing someone like Das, who has had admiration and success, admit that she too has struggled, Piakt was able to realize that it’s okay to not be okay.
“I always feel like I am the only one going through trauma and struggle. It made me feel like I could overcome the struggle,” Piatko said. “Things get better. She showed it.”
Das’ work in the mental health field isn’t over yet. She wants Silence the Stigma to become a household name, especially on college campuses. For Das, there is always work to do — mental health is not a checkbox — she will work to better herself and her organization for the rest of her life.
“I feel like my destiny and purpose have already been written,” Das said. “That’s what I do now — living my purpose.”
Published November 30, 2022 at 11:37 PM
