Actor Billy Miller’s sudden demise due to manic depression brings to light the topic of continuous struggle with mental health in the entertainment industry. And Miller’s is not the first case. Figures like Selena Gomez, have openly shared her struggles in "My Mind & Me”, Ariana Grande, after personal traumas, shed light on anxiety's impact, even displaying her brain scans. Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation supports those facing mental illness, while Olivia Rodrigo celebrates therapy's transformative power. Witnessing these stars use their fame for good inspires a culture of openness and support surrounding mental health.
Hollywood celebrities who have openly spoken and advocated for mental health include:
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Selena Gomez:
Selena Gomez, who rapidly ascended to fame, transitioning from PBS to the Disney Channel and ultimately becoming a beloved and acclaimed global pop artist, grappled with a variety of issues throughout her journey, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and a recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She elaborated on these experiences in her documentary titled "My Mind & Me," which premiered in November 2022. Nevertheless, Gomez has been candid about her mental health battles for an extended period, even receiving accolades like the Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion for her efforts in raising awareness about mental health. She has hosted numerous discussions with mental health experts and endorsed campaigns aimed at diminishing the stigma associated with mental illness. In April 2021, for instance, Gomez launched a campaign called 'Mental Health 101' through her company, Rare Beauty.
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Ariana Grande:
Aside from achieving record-breaking musical success, this award-winning singer-songwriter has also become a vocal advocate for mental health. Ariana Grande has faced significant trauma in her life, including the loss of her ex-partner, Mac Miller, and has consistently shared her struggles. She has openly discussed her battle with anxiety and how it has impacted her ability and willingness to perform. Furthermore, Grande shared her brain scans after being diagnosed with PTSD following a terrorist attack at her Manchester, England concert in 2017. She shared these scans to raise awareness about the impact of mental illness on the brain.
Lady Gaga:
Lady Gaga is arguably one of the most prominent celebrity mental health advocates, especially since she founded the ‘Born This Way Foundation’ to support individuals grappling with mental illness. The widely recognized pop star has battled anxiety and depression for many years but uses her platform to assure others that they are not alone. Her work is dedicated to destigmatizing mental illness, emphasizing that it can affect anyone and that there is no shame in it. In a 2015 interview, Lady Gaga revealed, "I've struggled with depression and anxiety my entire life. I still grapple with it every single day. I just want these young people to understand that the depth of emotion they experience as human beings is entirely normal."
Olivia Rodrigo:
Following the release of "Driver's License," Olivia Rodrigo tweeted her excitement about sharing the song's success with her therapist. Through this tweet and subsequent interviews, it became evident that Olivia Rodrigo advocates for mental health. In fact, she has been attending therapy since she was around 16 years old. Her initial decision to seek therapy, she explained, had a profound impact on her development. She stated, "That was a pivotal, life-altering moment. I've gained invaluable insights into myself through therapy."
