Expert Reviewed
SHARE
Some people question if mental health disorders are on the rise, or if more individuals feel more comfortable discussing their struggles as the stigma lessens. The reality is that seeking care for mental health is more common than you think and nearly 20% of adults in the United States struggle with feelings of depression and anxiety each year. Even celebrities. That means that when you think about it, one out of every five celebrities that come to mind may be struggling as well.
In the past few years many have come forward to discuss their experiences with mental health. They cite reasons such as helping to normalize the conversation surrounding mental health, encouraging others to come forward for help when they need it, and more.
Here are 9 celebrities that have opened up about their struggles with mental health.
1. Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato made national headlines after a drug overdose in 2018. Much of her music centers on her struggles with addiction, sobriety, and feelings of depression. Additionally, Demi has opened up about her struggles with eating disorders. Now in recovery from her eating disorder and doing well, Demi speaks at high-profile events such as the National Council for Behavioral Health in Washington D.C. advocating for resources.
2. Adele
Adele speaks openly on her on-going battle with depression, as well as the postpartum depression she suffered from after giving birth to her son. She says that she now discusses the topic because once she opened up she found that many others felt the same way she did. While many women don’t speak about postpartum depression openly, nearly 15% of all new moms will struggle with the condition.
3. Miley Cyrus
Another brave young woman, Miley Cyrus openly discusses not only her depression but the topic of taking psychiatric medication. She shares that there have been points in her life when she did need anti-depressants to aid her recovery and seeks to let others know that it’s okay to talk about it. Miley describes feeling judged, unworthy, ungrateful, and struggling with her self-image.
If you are currently taking anti-depressants and you feel they aren’t working for you, learn how you can discuss the topic with your doctor.
4. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Even the toughest looking men can struggle with feelings of depression, as Dwayne Johnson explains. Men account for more than half the annual suicide rate, yet are less likely to come forward and ask for help. It’s important to know that you are not alone and there are many men just like you who struggle. Coming forward is not a sign of weakness. Just look at The Rock.
5. Zayn Malik
Solo artist Zayn Malik, formerly a member of One Direction, also speaks about his struggles with anxiety. He says that it’s hard to open up because people can be dismissive and doubtful of issues surrounding mental health. Zayn describes his anxiety disorder as “a constant battle within yourself” but encourages men to become part of the mental health conversation. Instead of hiding his condition from the world Zayn has released public statements cancelling upcoming concerts and letting his fans know that he is coping with his mental health.
6. Prince Harry
Even those with royal status can struggle with mental health disorders. Prince Harry, who lost his mother Princess Diana when he was just twelve years old, says that he struggled with mental health issues for nearly twenty years after her death. Princess Diana herself also opened up about mental health in the 1990’s, also stating that she struggled with depression and negative self-image.
7. Halle Berry
Superstar Halle Berry opened up about once struggling with suicidal thoughts. She says after the divorce of her first marriage she struggled with feelings of low self-worth and attempted suicide. Berry says thinking of her loved ones and being grateful for all that she has, while focusing on future goals and dreams, helped her pull through.
8. Selena Gomez
Like Zayn Malik, Selena Gomez has published public statements to her fans announcing that she is taking time off to address her mental health. Selena says that she struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression and hopes that by being honest and upfront about her feelings she will encourage others to ask for help when they need it.
9. Ryan Reynolds
Actor Ryan Reynolds is the star of many famous motion pictures. The Deadpool series, Definitely Maybe, Just Friends, Green Lantern, and many more. He also struggles with anxiety, sometimes worrying about whether or not he can live up to the expectations of Hollywood. Now married to actress Blake Lively and a father to two children, Reynolds shows that it is possible to cope with feelings of anxiousness and achieve your dreams.
The URL has been copied
