The conversation around mental illness has been growing for a while and has been especially amplified during the pandemic-induced lockdowns and the major shift to work-from-home situations. In echo chambers of isolation and stress, many people’s mental wellness has taken a downturn. In response, countless celebrities, as well as private citizens and corporations, have generated a lot of supportive dialogue about self-care and mental health. Below is a list of six celebrities who have been vocal about their various mental health struggles for years.
Chrissy Teigen – Postpartum Depression (PPD)
The supermodel-turned-social-media-influencer penned a 2017 essay about her experiences with PPD. After the birth of their her first child, Luna Simone, with husband John Legend in April 2016, Teigen endured depressive symptoms and physical pains that went improperly diagnosed until the end of the year. Acknowledging the help of a strong support system around her, Teigen brought to light to a silent struggle and stigma that many mothers face.
Demi Lovato – Bipolar Disorder, Bulimia, and Drug Addiction
In 2018, Demi Lovato suffered a near-fatal drug overdose after breaking away from six years of sobriety. Before then, the former child actor and popstar had long been outspoken about battling a family history of mental illness, eating disorders, and addiction problems. In 2021, a four-part documentary series titled Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil was released about their journey after that traumatic and life-altering moment in 2018.
Lady Gaga – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Performing under the moniker Lady Gaga, entertainer and performance artist Stefani Germanotta revealed that she has been dealing with PTSD ever since being raped at age 19. Initially a deep secret that she struggled with for years, since opening up about her experience in 2016, Germanotta has been frank about her symptoms and treatment in order to encourage LGBTQ youth dealing with similar circumstances.
Kid Cudi – Depression and Substance Addiction
Scott Mescudi, who raps and produces music under the name Kid Cudi, has been open about his inner demons through his music and social media. Having become prominent in the industry with his 2008 collaborations with Kanye West, Mescudi revealed in interviews that he dealt with depression and suicidal ideation while his career took off. In 2016, he checked himself into rehab, announcing it on Facebook. He continues to share his experiences with his fans online.
David Beckham – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Although not clinically diagnosed, soccer superstar David Beckham and his wife Victoria have talked about his obsessive-compulsive urges and habits, such as having three refrigerators at home: “Food in one, salad in another and drinks in the third. In the drinks one, everything is symmetrical. If there’s three cans, he’ll throw one away because it has to be an even number.”
Chris Evans – Anxiety
Before taking on the character of Captain America, Chris Evans was plagued with anxiety, which had him contemplating quitting acting altogether. He even turned down the role multiple times because of personal fears over his mental health under a multi-movie commitment to Marvel Studios that would come with increased fame, scrutiny, and pressure. Thankfully, Evans managed to overcome his fears to embody the much-beloved superhero.
If you are struggling with mental health, please find support and resources here, available in all provinces across Canada. Talk to trusted family, friends, and healthcare providers. If you are in crisis, Crisis Services Canada is available 24/7 to talk at 1-833-456-4566.
Rose Ho | Staff Writer
