Relationships October 3, 2016
To combat the stigma surrounding mental illness, these inspiring celebrity women have spoken out about their own experiences seeking treatment and utilizing mental health resources. We’re proud of these ladies for refusing to stay silent on important mental health issues and encouraging fans to get help if they need it. Hear what these six celebs have to say about maintaining their mental well-being.
Lovato, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, has also struggled with bulimia and anorexia. Since beginning treatment at 19, Demi Lovato has become a mental health advocate and openly shares her ongoing recovery story. The singer even founded a nonprofit organization, Be Vocal, which advocates for improved mental health conditions in America.
“You deserve to live a happy and healthy life, and the longer you hold this in, the more you’re delaying your happiness. It’s important that you ask for help because it’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength.” she said.
Dunham has been vocal about her mental health journey with OCD and anxiety, which she also confronts in her writing. Lena Dunham recently took to Instagram to share how exercise helps her cope with anxiety:
“Promised myself I would not let exercise be the first thing to go by the wayside when I got busy with Girls Season 5 and here is why: it has helped with my anxiety in ways I never dreamed possible. To those struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression: I know it’s mad annoying when people tell you to exercise, and it took me about 16 medicated years to listen. I’m glad I did. It ain’t about the ass, it’s about the brain.”
The author of the wildly popular “Harry Potter” book series channeled her experiences with clinical depression into her writing. Fans of the series may recognize Rowling’s description of the monstrous soul-sucking Dementors as an embodiment of this depression. She has been known to engage fans in a dialogue about mental health and respond to their tweets for help.
“I have never been remotely ashamed of having been depressed. Never. What’s to be ashamed of? I went through a really rough time and I am quite proud that I got out of that,” she said via TIME.
Inspired by her fans, this singer and American Horror Story actress established the Born This Way Foundation to support youth wellness and mental health initiatives. She shared her own experiences with depression and anxiety in Billboard Magazine:
“I’ve suffered through depression and anxiety my entire life, I still suffer with it every single day. I just want these kids to know that that depth that they feel as human beings is normal. We were born that way. This modern thing, where everyone is feeling shallow and less connected? That’s not human.”
With almost 10 million YouTube subscribers, Lilly Singh fought her depression by creating comedic videos to share online. She revealed her struggle with depression in her “Draw My Life” video, as well as her hopes for helping others feel less alone.
“Especially as a South Asian female, it’s really not talked about in my community at all, any type of mental illness. So it was difficult to include it, but the reason I started making videos was because I was coming out of depression – and I thought there’s probably so many other people out there that experience the exact same thing and no one talks about it,” she tells People.
After battling an eating disorder in college, Kerry Washington encourages all women to work with mental health professionals, like therapists, to maintain their well-being.
“My brain and my heart are really important to me. I don’t know why I wouldn’t seek help to have those things be as healthy as my teeth. I go to the dentist. So why wouldn’t I go to a shrink?” she said via SELF.
Whether you are struggling with depression or know someone who is suffering from anxiety, these six celebrities can help remind you that self-care should always be a priority.
