Empowering Your Mental Wellness with Grammy-Winning Artist & Songwriter JoJo

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist and internationally acclaimed author. Her influential books, such as "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do," have been translated into over 40 languages. Her TEDx presentation, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," ranks among the most-watched talks globally.

In this special edition of The Verywell Mind Podcast, Amy Morin, LCSW, engages in an insightful conversation with Grammy-winning singer and songwriter JoJo about her experiences with depression, addiction, and the journey toward mental strength.

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Introducing JoJo

Jacket: Prada; Jewelry: Young In the Mountains; WesFilms

JoJo is a Grammy Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, and actress who first gained recognition as a teenager by becoming the youngest solo artist to top the U.S. Billboard Pop Songs chart with her debut single, “Leave (Get Out).”

After a hiatus caused by a legal dispute with her record label, JoJo made a powerful comeback with fresh music and has since openly discussed her mental health journey.

Why JoJo Was My Ideal Podcast Guest

I have long admired JoJo’s artistry and was eager to feature her on The Verywell Mind Podcast due to her compelling story.

Our paths crossed in 2018 when someone informed me on Twitter that JoJo had shared my TEDx talk. I reached out to express gratitude, and to my surprise, she responded personally—an uncommon gesture among celebrities. I sent her a copy of my book, and she kindly accepted.

Weeks later, she messaged me to say she was enjoying the book, which was both thrilling and humbling. Her openness to sharing my work signaled her genuine commitment to mental health awareness, well before many others in the spotlight embraced such conversations.

JoJo

"When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and transparent, it inspires others to do the same." — JoJo

Her upcoming album, "Trying Not to Think About It," delves even deeper into mental health themes, making it an exciting release.

The Verywell Mind team was thrilled to feature JoJo as the cover star of our inaugural digital edition, and I was honored when she accepted.

I traveled to Los Angeles to record the episode at Studio City Sounds, where I met JoJo in person. While many episodes have been recorded virtually due to the pandemic, conducting face-to-face interviews remains a favorite experience.

JoJo's warmth and authenticity, praised by everyone involved in the digital cover project, shone through. Her eagerness to discuss mental health was palpable, and I am excited to share her inspiring story and insights.

JoJo’s Mental Health Journey

Several years ago, JoJo began openly discussing her mental health, revealing her battles with depression and her use of therapy and antidepressants.

Unlike many who only speak about their struggles after recovery, JoJo emphasizes that managing mental health is an ongoing effort.

She generously shares the methods that empower her to maintain control over her mental wellness while acknowledging she doesn’t have all the answers. Her understanding of mental strength has evolved over time.

Highlights from the Conversation

• How JoJo embraced openness about mental health
• Understanding why depression is not a weakness
• The impact of her father’s addiction on her life
• Her internal conflict regarding antidepressant use
• Reasons for pausing and later resuming medication
• The benefits she’s gained from therapy
• Strategies for overcoming self-doubt
• Differences between therapy and confiding in friends
• Encouragement for those hesitant to seek professional help
• Artists who inspired JoJo to speak out on mental health
• Her ongoing work to improve relationships with food, alcohol, and partners
• One key practice that signifies her growth in mental strength

Healthy Ways to Manage Difficult Emotions

Key Mental Health Lessons from JoJo

JoJo reflects on her past belief that she needed to appear tough at all times, even when struggling. Over time, she recognized that experiencing depression does not negate mental strength.

Creative individuals often possess heightened sensitivity and emotional depth, which fuels their artistry but can also make life’s challenges more complex.

JoJo stresses that taking medication is compatible with being mentally strong—a concept she initially found difficult. Medication should be viewed as a valuable tool that enhances the effectiveness of other coping strategies.

If you or someone you know is facing depression, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for guidance on support and treatment options. Additional mental health resources are available in our National Helpline Database.

About The Verywell Mind Podcast

The Verywell Mind Podcast is accessible on all major streaming platforms. If you enjoy the show, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts.

Your feedback helps others discover the podcast and prioritize their mental well-being.

Useful Links and Resources

• Follow JoJo on Instagram
• Listen to JoJo’s latest album: "Trying Not to Think About It"
• Visit JoJo’s official website

• Trending Topics
• Mental Health Updates

By Amy Morin, LCSW
Amy Morin is a psychotherapist and internationally bestselling author of books including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do," translated into over 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is among the most viewed worldwide.

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