The World Health Organization defines health as"a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity." This gives us the idea that one needs to have a healthy mind and body to be healthy. According to a recent survey done in the United States, 21% of adults experienced mental illness in 2020 (52.9 million people). This accounts roughly for about one-fifth of the population and gives a testament to the gravity of the situation.
Although these numbers are staggering, many people are ashamed to admit or talk about their anxiety, depression, trauma, demotivation, and grief. It is important to realize that if you or someone you love are struggling with some mental illness, you should know that you are not alone.
Mental health awareness is important for early recognition and timely management of these disorders. Seeking help early can improve the quality of life and make these patients productive members of society. Like ordinary people, many celebrities have also suffered from mental health disorders. To remove the stigma associated with mental illnesses, many artists are stepping forward and baring their souls on social media to encourage others to seek help.
We have compiled a list of people who have it all: looks, money, and fame and are household names. Yet they are feeling the same emotions as you are feeling. Their courage and bravery to step forward and talk about their struggles helps delineate the importance of getting help and support to live life to its fullest.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is a talk show host and has a net worth of 2.6 billion dollars. She grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, one of the poorest cities in the country, and suffered from childhood trauma. She was subjected to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse repeatedly. Oprah has
talked about being beaten by her grandmother, made to sleep on an outdoor porch by her mother, and raped by her cousin at the tender age of nine. These childhood traumas wire the brain differently and predispose people to depression and other mental disorders. Today Oprah has stepped forward to talk about her childhood, hoping that someone will find the courage to break away from the vicious cycle of abuse and seek help.
Prince Harry
Prince Harry is the Duke of Essex and a beloved member of the British royal family. He has talked about post-traumatic stress disorder, severe depression, and isolation that he experienced after the death of his mother (Princess Diana) in a motor vehicle accident. He
finally realized that he had to seek help to heal. He states, “You need to go back to the past, go back to the point of trauma, deal with it, process it, and then move forward.”
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato is a singer and has battled with substance use disorder, depression, bulimia, and bipolar disorder. She took a near-fatal overdose in 2018 and talks about her struggles and her journey to recovery in her new documentary “Beyond Silence,” available on Netflix.
Adele
She is a well-known and loved Grammy award winner. She has admitted to suffering from postpartum depression following the birth of her son. Despite recognizing the symptoms, she had been reluctant to seek help for the disorder.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has fibromyalgia and had post-traumatic stress disorder after being raped at 19 years. She has shared how her trauma shaped her life and made her more sensitive to the feelings of others.
Dan Reynolds
Dan Reynolds is a band member of the chart-topping band Imagine Dragons. He has opened up about his experience with clinical depression since 2012. He talks about how he has everything but could not fill the emptiness or void inside him. It was scary and confusing. However, learning to care about his child and being a husband has now brought a sense of fulfillment and purpose to his life.
Chris Evans
Chris Evans talks about his social anxiety disorder. The Captain Ameria star admitted to being extremely apprehensive about walking on the red carpet. Meditation has helped him calm his nerves and bring peace to his mind.
Jim Carrey
Jim Carey’s movies come to mind when one wants to watch a comedy. However, he had a traumatic childhood with a jobless father and a sick mother. He dropped out of high school. He has admitted to taking Prozac for clinical depression but now relies on meditation and lifestyle change to overcome his problems.
Britney Spears
Britney Spears was the true princess of Pop till her struggle with mental health resulted in everything turning to ashes. She had a meltdown and divorce in 2008. After that episode, she was unable to make personal or financial decisions in her life without her father's approval after a court-approved conservatorship was put in place in February 2008 after her meltdown and divorce. However, she has checked into a mental health clinic and is now back on track, and is now in charge of her life.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez has systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease involving any part of the body. She also underwent a renal transplant and struggles with bipolar disorder. Knowing the truth about herself has helped her deal with her emotions.
Katy Perry
The “Roar” singer has opened up about her battle with depression and how she took antidepressants for some time. Taking a two-year psychological and spiritual journey helped her chase her demons and come to terms with her feelings.
If you are reading this article, please know that you are not alone. Our highly trained and competent mental health professionals are here to provide you with the best treatment and support you need to heal. Remember, it is never too late to seek help. Like these celebrities, you can overcome these feelings and learn to deal with your stressors. We are only a click or a phone call away. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.