Reneé Rapp OPENS Up On Traumatic Past & Channelling It In Her Debut Album

Added: Sep 5, 2023

Overcoming Trauma

Rapp shares that she was drugged and went missing for about seven hours. She explains that she woke up alone in a bathroom stall with blood on her pants, feeling confused and disoriented. This experience had a significant impact on her life and led to her distancing herself from the group of friends she was with at the time.

Rapp describes the resilience she had to summon in order to navigate through this traumatic event. She had to confront her fears, let go of toxic friendships, and find a way to move forward. She also mentions that she didn't want to dwell on the incident or seek revenge, but rather focus on healing and growth.

Dealing with Anxiety

Throughout the podcast episode, Rapp discusses her struggles with anxiety. She shares that she has always been a highly emotional person, prone to crying and getting angry quickly. She explains that she was often shamed for being so hyper-emotional, which led to her feeling afraid to celebrate herself and fearing judgment from others.

Rapp admits that she still battles with anxiety and self-doubt, especially when it comes to her music career. She constantly second-guesses herself and worries about how she is perceived by others. However, she acknowledges that she is working on letting go of these fears and embracing her true feelings, whether they are positive or negative.

Navigating Fame and Public Perception

As Rapp's career has grown, she has become more aware of how people perceive her. She admits that this newfound visibility has been both exciting and scary for her. She shares that she often reads comments and articles about herself, even though she knows it's not healthy for her mental well-being. Rapp expresses her struggle with wanting to be liked and approved of by others, while also trying to stay true to herself.

Rapp also discusses the pressure she feels to constantly achieve more and be better. She shares that she often downplays her accomplishments and criticizes herself for not doing enough. However, she acknowledges that she has a supportive team around her who encourages her to celebrate her successes and enjoy the journey.

The Power of Resilience

Throughout the podcast episode, Rapp emphasizes the importance of resilience in her life. She shares that she has always been resilient, even in the face of adversity. She attributes this resilience to her desire to succeed and prove herself to those who believe in her.

Rapp also discusses how resilience played a role in her healing process after the traumatic event she experienced. She shares that she was able to let go of toxic friendships and focus on her own well-being. She also found solace in writing and creating music, which allowed her to express her emotions and connect with others.

Finding Strength in Vulnerability

Rapp opens up about her struggles with self-worth and the pressure she puts on herself. She admits that she often finds it difficult to celebrate herself and fears being judged or rejected. However, she acknowledges that vulnerability is a strength and that expressing her true feelings through her music has been a powerful outlet for her.

Rapp also discusses the importance of surrounding herself with supportive and understanding people. She shares that her friends and family have been instrumental in her healing process and have helped her find strength in her vulnerability.

Dealing with Eating Disorders

Rapp shares that she struggled with an eating disorder from a young age, starting at around 10 years old. She acknowledges that eating disorders are something she will always have to deal with, as eating is a necessary part of survival. She compares it to alcoholism, stating that while someone can choose to avoid alcohol, they cannot choose to avoid eating. Rapp emphasizes the constant gray area that comes with eating disorders, as it is a daily struggle to maintain a healthy relationship with food. She discusses the challenges of feeling out of control, insecure, and proud at different times. Rapp also mentions the importance of not beating herself up over her struggles and mistakes, but rather making peace with them and striving to do better.

Navigating the Gray Areas of Sexuality

Rapp also delves into the topic of navigating the gray areas of sexuality. She shares that she has had a journey of self-discovery and understanding her own sexuality. Rapp identifies as bisexual and acknowledges that being in heteronormative relationships is inevitable for her due to her attraction to both men and women. She discusses the struggle of trying to find a label that fits and the pressure to have a definitive answer. However, Rapp expresses her desire to embrace the gray area and not be so hard on herself. She mentions viewing the gray area as a "little pink area" where everything is good and cool. Rapp emphasizes the importance of not centering oneself in other people's experiences and being open to the fluidity of sexuality.

Learning to Love and Accept Oneself

Throughout the podcast episode, Rapp discusses her journey of learning to love and accept herself. She reflects on her younger self and the inherent guilt and regret she used to carry. However, Rapp expresses that she no longer wants to regret anything and instead wants to make peace with her past. She acknowledges her younger self's fearlessness and encourages her younger self to continue doing things her own way. Rapp also mentions the importance of valuing one's mistakes and being proud of oneself, even in the face of failures. She emphasizes the need to unlearn self-criticism and practice self-compassion.

Not Centering Oneself in Other People's Experiences

Rapp shares her struggle with not centering herself in other people's experiences. She mentions that when someone shares their grievances or experiences with her, she often finds herself spiraling into self-reflection and self-criticism. Rapp expresses her desire to be fully present for others and not make their experiences about herself. She acknowledges the importance of relating to others and making them feel understood without making it about her own experiences. Rapp discusses the challenge of finding a balance between self-reflection and being fully present for others.

Valuing Emotional Expression over Keeping it Cool

Rapp expresses her belief in valuing emotional expression over keeping it cool. She shares that she used to be shamed for being hyper-emotional and crying a lot. However, she now embraces her emotions and believes in allowing them to be big and authentic. Rapp emphasizes the importance of not suppressing emotions and instead allowing oneself to feel deeply. She mentions the need for a safe space to express emotions and the importance of surrounding oneself with people who allow for emotional expression.

Creating a Law Against Hatefulness

Rapp discusses her desire for a law against hatefulness. She grew up in the South and expresses her wish for people to be less hateful. Rapp mentions that her hometown can be a dangerous place for her friends, and she believes that reducing hatefulness would create a safer and more inclusive environment. She emphasizes the importance of kindness and acceptance, and the negative impact that hatefulness can have on individuals and communities.