Britney Spears has been of the most successful pop singers in music history as a solo act. However, she’s also been one of the most controversial celebrities in the music industry. Many have watched and shared their opinions on her personal struggles and Britney Spears’ addiction and mental health, which is still a popular feature in the news.
Britney was in the limelight from an early age. She starred in The All-New Mickey Mouse Clubhouse at just 11 years old. Thereafter, she began building a successful career as a pop singer and performer. It was more than just a hobby for her, and it was a passion she shared from a very young age.
“Ever since I was 7 or 8 years old, my mom would have company over, and I was always performing for everybody in front of the TV. Even when I went to school, I was always the weird child; I would go outside, and instead of playing, I wanted to have Star Search competitions.” — Britney Spears
In 1998, she released her hit single, “Baby One More Time,” which hit No. 1 on the Billboard200 charts that year. In 1999, she won four awards at the Billboard Music Awards, including female artist of the year.
Continuing with her meteoric rise, she released the song, “Oops!…I Did It Again” in 2000. It was an instant hit, selling more than one million copies in the first week alone. Unfortunately, shortly after gaining her residential spot in the limelight, she began experiencing personal and professional setbacks.
Britney Spears’ mental health issues were one of her setbacks, but she rebounded with another chart-topping hit, “Femme Fatale,” in 2011. She also enjoyed an extended residency in Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, which came to an end in 2017.
In 2019, she was scheduled to start another Las Vegas residency; however, Spears canceled the residency and a tour she had planned because she needed to take an indefinite leave. In April of that year, she entered a wellness treatment facility. Britney Spears’ mental health had plummeted again.
Britney Spears’ Mental Health and Her “Toxic” Addictions
In 2007, Britney Spears shaved her head in what was described as the Pop Princess’ mental health breakdown. She did this to motivate others to simply leave her alone and give her space. The podcast “What Really Happened” explained how Britney had grown up under immense pressure to maintain her public image.
That pressure was overwhelming, and since social media was not present in 2007, Britney photographed the moment where she shaved her head and the tabloids shared her images far and wide.
Britney’s former manager, Sam Lutfi, appeared in court to testify and told the jury that Britney was addicted to amphetamines, and that everything she endured was due to the drugs. Britney had a prescription for the drug and had overdosed on them.
Lufti told the media that Britney shaved her head only to avoid having a drug test. One of his first actions after becoming her manager was to have drug-sniffing dogs search Britney’s home. The dogs discovered a substance that was most likely crystal meth.
The star’s behavior quickly spiraled out of control, and images were shared of her striking an SUV with an umbrella. After psychiatric evaluations and refusing to return her two children to their father after a court-appointed visit, she lost custody of her children.
Her mental health issues from her past, her breakdown in 2007 and Britney Spears’ addiction led her father and her lawyer to gain conservatorship over her in 2008. She had lost her marriage and children and was now losing the right to control her own finances.
From “Circus” to Conservatee
In 2008, Britney found herself locked into a conservatory relationship with her father and her lawyer. A conservator is granted the authority to manage the affairs of a person who can’t take care of themselves. Conservatorship is a legal appointment by a judge to manage a conservatee’s financial affairs and/or daily life as a result of mental or physical limitations.
Since 2008, when she was placed in an involuntary psychiatric hold, Britney’s father has remained her conservator alongside her lawyer. He keeps detailed records of every financial decision she makes for court documentation. The duo has full control over her business deals and even manages her frivolous purchases — for instance, if Britney wants to purchase a cup of coffee.
Cracks began to show in the conservatorship in 2019 after her lawyer resigned from his role in the conservatorship, saying:
“Substantial detriment, irreparable harm and immediate danger will result to the conservatee and her estate if the relief requested herein [is] not granted on an ex parte basis.”
Her father gained sole control and after her lawyer had a physical altercation with her son, a different lawyer was appointed her conservator. While the conservators seem to be changing, she has remained in the relationship as a conservatee. Unfortunately, this may not change since during her rehearsals for “Domination,” she stopped taking her prescribed medication for managing her mental health.
In April 2019, Britney checked into a mental health facility to help her cope with her father’s declining health. She told her fans:
“Fall in love with taking care of yourself, mind, body, spirit.”
“My situation is unique, but I promise I’m doing what’s best at this moment. You may not know this about me, but I am strong and stand up for what I want!”
Other Celebrities with Conservatorships
It’s not just Britney Spears whose mental health issues have placed her into a conservatorship. Other celebrities who are battling the same addiction and mental health problems have entered into a conservator relationship as well.
Amanda Bynes was placed under a conservatorship with her mother after multiple involuntary psychiatric holds in 2013 and 2014. She was diagnosed with manic depressive disorder and bipolar, but she has since worked hard to improve her condition and overall well-being.
Kanye West may also become a conservatee, with his wife, Kim Kardashian, possibly assuming responsibility as his conservator. This is after West was placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold for temporary psychoses in 2016.
How to Prevent Becoming a Conservatee
A conservatory relationship is extremely challenging; while there are varying levels across the different states, it is almost impossible for this type of relationship to be revoked once you enter into it. If you don’t address your mental health or addiction issues carefully and manage your problem correctly, then you too may be at risk of becoming a conservatee.
If your addiction is taking hold of your life or you’re struggling to maintain your mental health, don’t be afraid to reach out to FHE Health. Contact us today by dialing (833) 596-3502. Our professional team is available to help you 24/7. Take control of your mental health today and avoid becoming a conservatee.
As Britney Spears would say, “You Gotta Work!”
