By Melissa Foulks, MFT Trainee
We live in an age where celebrities are openly talking about their mental health. Though everyone’s experience is different, the stories these celebrities share are helping to reduce the mental health stigma that often surrounds anxiety, depression, eating disorders — just to name a few. That stigma is what often prevents individuals from seeking treatment. In fact, it can even keep them from talking about their mental health struggles with loved ones.
From Demi Lovato to Ryan Reynolds, some of Hollywood’s biggest names have shared their journeys. Although their lifestyles may differ greatly from ours, mental illness does not discriminate. These individuals are not exempt from struggles that we too may face when it comes to our mental wellbeing.
Demi Lovato on her mental health journey
In 2012, Demi Lovato released a one-hour documentary film on MTV, Stay Strong. It showcased her recovery from an eating disorder and self-harming. At that time, the mental health space was different and many people were not speaking out like they are today. Which is why Katrina Gay, Director of Strategic Partnership for the National Alliance of Mental Illness, describes Demi as a “pioneer” when it comes to celebrities speaking out about mental health.
Demi Lovato continues to use to her platform to openly discuss her on-going mental health struggles. She released another documentary in 2017 on YouTube, Simply Complicated. She admitted she was not sober in her previous documentary and was ready to be completely honest in this new one.
Demi said, “Yes, I did touch on issues and certain things that were real and true but I think the biggest problem was I was lying to myself. And in this documentary, I’m 1000 percent sober and I get to really explain myself and apologize to my fans. There wasn’t anything that was off-limits,” when describing the new documentary.
In 2018, Demi relapsed after six years of sobriety and suffered a severe drug overdose. She recovered and has remained sober since, while making her mental health her priority. Demi continues to use her platform to speak about her journey.
Ryan Reynolds on mental health
Ryan Reynolds has opened up about his struggles with anxiety, especially while filming the popular film, Deadpool. Reynolds shared, “I never, ever slept. Or I was sleeping at a perfect right angle – just sitting straight, constantly working at the same time.” He admitted he was constantly worried by his future. Ryan credits his wife for helping him through the dark times. This serves as a beautiful reminder of how important a support system is when battling mental illness.
Other celebrities and mental health conversations
In addition to these two celebrities, there are so many more that have spoken up or continue to speak out. Chrissy Teigen, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Chris Evans, Kendrick Lamar, and many more have all discussed this topic openly.
Katrina Gay says, “Research has told us that the best way to change someone’s beliefs around mental illness is to have a direct contact with someone who has a mental illness that you relate to.” With social media giving us access to celebrities’ lives, we are able to connect and be inspired by their stories with that somewhat direct contact.
Clearly, mental health conditions can affect anyone. If you want to talk to someone about your own mental health, we’re here. Get in touch with our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center today.
