Joshua Bassett Interview 2022 – Mental Health and American Eagle’s Future Together Grant – Seventeen

Over the past few years, Joshua Bassett has opened up about his journey with mental health and revealed that he'd been hospitalized after experiencing stress-induced heart failure and septic shock. The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star has also been transparent about his experience with anxiety and panic attacks. Since then, he told GQ that he's been seeing a therapist, reading self-help books, and journaling.

As one of American Eagle's Members Always cast members, Joshua partnered with Bring Change to Mind, a nonprofit dedicated to helping end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the 21-year-old actor and musician gave a powerful presentation for the organization to destigmatize the shame surrounding mental health and spread the word about American Eagle's Future Together grant program, which will award a total of $200,000 total for teens and young adults to create positive change in their local communities.

"Speaking up is the only way we'll break stigmas and realize our shared humanity. Shame cannot survive being spoken," Joshua wrote with a clip he posted to Instagram. In the video, he gets emotional as he reads out a few anonymous responses to a prompt asking students to write something they're afraid to say out loud.

After reading responses, which varied from individuals not wanting to repeat toxic familial cycles to fearing that they aren't enough, Joshua closed out the conversation with impactful quotes. "As I close, I want to ask the question: who would you be if you weren't afraid?" he started. "When we set ourselves free from the bondage of shame and fear and step into who we really are, there is no limit to who we could become. In a world of darkness, we can be beacons of light. Starting with yourself when you change your inner world, you watch the world change but it starts with you."

Since the presentation, Joshua caught up with Seventeen about his mental health advocacy work with American Eagle, his upcoming (and first-ever!) tour, and the highly-anticipated third season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

Joshua Bassett: Growing up, there werent many people in the entertainment space who spoke openly about emotional well-being. There are so many of us out there who are hesitant to speak up because we mistakenly believe that were alone. To find inner peace, we have to be able to show up as our authentic selves in this world, and nothing makes me happier than using my voice to help people.

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American Eagle Members Always with Coco, Joshua, Madelyn, Maitreyi, Michael & mxmtoon

JB: I love how American Eagles Members Always campaign is all-inclusive to humans its about more than just clothes. theyre creating a safe space for change and a community of acceptance. Bring Change to Minds mission to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness is so important to me as someone who struggles myself, and knows the power in speaking up and being true to yourself.

JB: I think people often wait until things get really bad before they seek help, and it doesnt have to be that way. You wouldnt wait until you were deathly ill to get a physical checkup, and I think routine conversations with someone you can trust are essential to staying healthy. Its also not a sign of weakness- but instead one of strength, that youre able to admit that everyone needs help now and again. Youre not broken for wanting support and help. I made a deal before I started therapy that I would be honest at all costs and Ive never looked back.

Disney+

JB: Season 3 is a whole lot of fun, with the expected drama that comes from theatre kids at summer camp. It felt like season 1 again, but fresher and more elevated. Endlessly proud of this show and the safe space that it provides!

JB: Ricky always tries to do the right thing and be the best person he can be, despite what life throws at him and thats an admirable trait I've tried to emulate. Over the seasons, Ricky has really developed a sense of emotional maturity and I think I've done and continue to do the same in my own life.

JB: Its my first tour so I'm honestly looking forward to the whole experience but most of all playing my songs live in person with the fans and getting to connect with everyone. Im also really excited about playing with a band. A dream come true!

JB: I would tell younger me: always speak your truth. Never settle for anything less than you deserve. Find a safe space with people you trust, and simultaneously provide a safe space for everyone you interact with. Also, no matter what hardships arise, you will always come out the other side stronger than you were before.

Parts of this interview have been edited and condensed for clarity.

Sam is the editorial assistant at Seventeen, covering pop culture, celebrity news, health, and beauty. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.

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Joshua Bassett Interview 2022 - Mental Health and American Eagle's Future Together Grant - Seventeen