R&B singer Summer Walker has had a string of successes. After debuting her lead single, “Girls Need Love in 2018, the song became her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and spawned a remix rap superstar Drake. Her debut studio album, Over It (2019) was met with critical and commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 chart—briefly breaking the record for the biggest debut streaming week for a female R&B artist—and receiving triple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Her second album, Still Over It (2021) debuted atop the Billboard 200. The album broke the record for most streams in a single day by a female artist on Apple Music[10] and broke her previous record for largest streaming debut-week for a female R&B artist; she also matched Taylor Swift as the only female musical act to have 18 concurrent songs from one album enter the Billboard Hot 100
Despite having so much success, she revealed that she doesn’t like to be out in public and suffers from social anxiety disorder that affects her physically. After speaking candidly about her social anxieties back in 2019, the “Still Over It” hitmaker was ridiculed. She canceled tour dates and reportedly pressed pause on meet and greets as some fans understood her position while others weren’t happy with the news.
“I want y’all to know that this s**t is real,” Walker said during an Atlanta tour stop in 2021. “I write a lot of my stuff. I write most of my stuff and it’s still a fresh wound. My baby, she not even 1 yet and I ain’t got time to be singing that s**t, crying in front of y’all. So, I sang what I could and I hope that y’all still enjoy the show.”
Even though she’s been very open about her mental health battles, Walker was met with some criticism by viewers in her comments who didn’t believe her disorder to be legit.
“You know, the scariest s–t I’ve been witnessing is that most of the women leaving negative comments like ‘it’s an act,’ ‘I don’t have the right to act like this b/c I’m famous, bitch you slow’ or just flat out making fun of me for being vulnerable,” the 29-year-old Walker wrote in response on Instagram.
Walker then admitted it made her sad to see that some of these same people would be or already are parents to kids possibly suffering from mental health issues, but they refuse to acknowledge its legitimacy.
“It makes me feel soo bad cause it’s clear that if the children are developing or struggling with any type of mental disorder such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, it’ll be brushed to the side and will never receive any treatment because it’ll just be ‘an act,’” she continued.
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Since that time, Walker has pushed forward in her career, mapping out her moves that cater to her time and emotions. She’s toured and taken to stages worldwide, and although she hasn’t spoken much about her anxiety in recent years, she did drop off a mention on her Instagram Story.
“It be so many opportunities I be turning down cause I’m still awkward with other humans [eye roll emoji],” she wrote. “Lol I’m tied of it.” In an industry where people are willing to compromise at every turn, it’s rare that people will shut down possibilities in an effort to take care of themselves. She has also discussed postpartum depression and coping with motherhood, according to an article on Rolling Stone. Additionally, she has publicly addressed cosmetic surgery, including dimple surgery and a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), according to internationalclinics.com.
What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), previously known as social phobia, is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, intense fear of social situations where the individual may be exposed to scrutiny by others. This fear stems from a concern that they will act in a way that is embarrassing or humiliating, often leading to avoidance of social situations or enduring them with intense anxiety.
Here’s a more detailed look:
Key Features
Fear of Social Scrutiny:
Individuals with SAD are intensely worried about how others perceive them in social situations, fearing they will be judged negatively, embarrassed, or humiliated.
Avoidance:
They may avoid social gatherings, interactions, and performances to prevent these feared situations.
Physical Symptoms:
When faced with social situations, they may experience physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and trembling.
Impairment in Functioning:
The anxiety and avoidance associated with SAD can significantly impair daily life, affecting relationships, work, school, and other activities.
Important Distinctions
Shyness vs. SAD:
While shyness is a personality trait, SAD is a diagnosed mental health condition with intense fear and anxiety that significantly disrupt daily life.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
SAD differs from generalized anxiety disorder, where anxiety is pervasive and doesn’t focus on specific social situations.
Impact of Social Anxiety Disorder:
Interpersonal Relationships: Difficulties in forming and maintaining friendships, romantic relationships, and other social connections.
Work/School Performance: Impaired performance in job interviews, presentations, or academic settings.
Mental Health: Increased risk of developing depression and other mental health problems.
Treatment:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A type of therapy that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors associated with social anxiety.
Medication: Antidepressants may be prescribed to help manage anxiety symptoms.
Social Skills Training: Helps individuals develop skills for interacting with others in a comfortable and confident manner.
Summer Walker’s BBL
Walker’s surgeries have been met with mixed reactions. Some fans have praised her for embracing her body and making changes that make her feel confident. However, others have criticized her for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and potentially setting a negative example for young women.
Multiple reports share that Walker has had not only BBL surgery but nose surgery as well.
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past decade. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), BBL procedures increased by 19% from 2019 to 2020 alone, making it one of the fastest-growing cosmetic surgeries. This surge can be primarily attributed to the influence of celebrities and social media, which have brought curvaceous figures into the limelight. High-profile figures like Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B have popularized the hourglass shape, making it a sought-after ideal.
Societal Pressures and Beauty Standards
The pressure to conform to specific beauty standards is multifaceted for Black women. Historically, Black women have faced scrutiny and marginalization regarding their natural features. The BBL can be seen as a response to these pressures, allowing women to enhance their curves in a way that aligns with mainstream and cultural beauty ideals. According to a study published in the *Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities*, Black women are more likely to feel dissatisfied with their body image due to societal beauty standards that often exclude or stigmatize their natural features.
The Role of Social Media
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a significant role in the BBL boom. Influencers and everyday users share their post-surgery transformations, often garnering thousands of likes and comments. These platforms perpetuate a visual culture where the BBL is not just a cosmetic enhancement but a symbol of beauty and success. A report from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) noted that social media has been a major driving force behind the increased demand for cosmetic procedures, with many users seeking to emulate the looks of their favorite influencers and celebrities.
Why Are More Black Women Turning to Cosmetic Surgery?
1. Cultural Influences: Fuller figures are traditionally celebrated in many Black communities. The BBL allows women to embrace and enhance these culturally valued traits. A study by the African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine highlighted that Black women often seek cosmetic procedures to improve features that are culturally revered.
2. Media Representation: The portrayal of Black women in media often emphasizes specific body types. Cosmetic surgery can be a way for Black women to align their appearances with these representations. Research by the *Journal of Black Studies* found that media representation significantly impacts the body image perceptions of Black women.
3. Body Autonomy: For some, the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is an expression of control over their bodies. It allows them to define beauty on their terms rather than conform to external standards. The ASPS reports that many women view cosmetic surgery as a form of empowerment and self-expression.
4. Economic and Social Mobility: In some cases, achieving a particular look can open doors to modeling, entertainment, and social media influencing opportunities, where appearance can significantly impact success. According to *Forbes*, the influencer marketing industry is worth over $13.8 billion, with many influencers leveraging their looks to gain followers and brand deals.
Other Celebrities Who Struggle with Anxiety
In a 2015 interview with Billboard, rapper, producer, and songwriter Missy Elliott touched on her history with anxiety. So bad is Elliot’s anxiety that she actually records all of her music alone, not even allowing her right-hand man of 30 years, Timbaland, to be in the studio with her. During the interview, Missy also touched on the 2015 Super Bowl halftime show she performed at, alongside Katy Perry. When news began to swirl that Missy would make an appearance, she had a panic attack that resulted in her being hospitalized. “Nobody knew,” she said of her internal battles.
Cardi B has also been open about her experiences with anxiety. In a conversation with Sirus XM about her success, the rapper said, “…I get anxiety when I go to the studio because everybody is like expecting some crazy magic from me.”
