Celebrities and Mental Health Disorders: Why Their Voices Matter

Struggling with mental health issues can be an isolating and scary experience. Those suffering tend to hide and try to ignore their battles, fearing the response they might receive from others. However, a wave of celebrities sharing their own struggles has emerged over the past few years, making the topic of mental health more prevalent in mainstream media in an attempt to erase the stigma of mental health disorders.

 

Mariah Carey, other celebrities announce struggles with mental health disorders

One of the most recent examples of mental health in mainstream media came from pop icon Mariah Carey, who recently announced that she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2001. Carey admitted that, like many others, she stayed quiet about her diagnosis to avoid being defined by the disorder.

Carey’s revelation is not just a pop culture story that will generate magazine sales. By speaking out about her battle with the disorder, Carey said she hopes to fight the stigma.

Carey is just one of the many celebrities to talk publicly about struggles with a mental health disorder. Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Dwayne Johnson have announced that they battle depression. Chrissy Teigen and Adele recalled experiencing postpartum depression after having children. And Kendall Jenner, Emma Stone, and Ryan Reynolds have also talked openly about their symptoms of panic attacks and restlessness due to anxiety.

All of these celebrities expressed their initial embarrassment and fear of revealing their mental health disorder. However, they hope that by speaking openly about mental health they can de-stigmatize mental illness and encourage others to seek treatment.

Unfortunately, for some celebrities like actress Carrie Fisher, singer Chris Cornell and beloved comedian Robin Williams, the effects of their mental health disorders were too much to bear and ultimately led them to take their own lives. It doesn’t have to end this way. By putting an end to the stigma and encouraging those suffering to seek professional help, the rate of suicide due to mental health disorders can decrease.

 

Celebrity Voices Matter

Celebrities have the power to spread their message and reach large audiences. When they use this platform to address mental health disorders, they open up discussion and empower others to be open with their own struggles. Acknowledging the prevalence of mental health disorders lets people know that they are not alone and their mental health disorder does not define them. When people no longer feel the need to conceal their illness, they are more likely to seek help.

 

Why it is Important

About 1 in 5 adults in the United States suffers from mental health disorders each year1. Of these, more than half do not receive treatment. It is important that anyone suffering from a mental health disorder receives proper medical care in order to control their symptoms and improve overall health.

 

If you or a loved one is suffering from a mental health disorder, contact a treatment facility for help. To learn more about the breadth of services offered at Havenwood Behavioral Health, visit havenwoodbehavioral.com/or call us at (864) 660-6217. With proper treatment and support, you can overcome mental illness.

 

  1. https://www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-by-the-numbers