16 Celebrities with Mental Illnesses - Quotes to Inspire

Being in the spotlight may make it seem like a person has life all put together, but studies show that mental conditions affect everyone equally. In fact, 1 in 5 people will experience a mental disorder in a given year. Many celebrities are using their platforms to open up about their experience with mental illness and offer words of encouragement, support, and solidarity. Here are 16 quotes from celebrities who have personally experienced the effects of mental illness

Ryan Reynolds

“To all of those like me who overschedule, overthink, overwork, over-worry, and over-everything, please know you’re not alone.” In a conversation about his battle with Anxiety.

Mariah Carey

“I’m hopeful we can get to a place where the stigma is lifted from people going through anything alone. It can be incredibly isolating. It does not have to define you and I refuse to allow it to define me or control me.” Said when opening up about her Bipolar Disorder II diagnosis

Selena Gomez

“I go to therapy. It’s just one of the most important things — to get to know yourself. Not saying everyone in the world has to do it, but I do think that it’s helped me understand myself and my childhood a lot better.” In a conversation about her Bipolar Disorder battle.

Demi Levato

“It’s very important we create conversations, we take away the stigma, and that we stand up for ourselves if we’re dealing with the symptoms of a mental illness.” On battling Bipolar, Bulimia, and addiction

Wayne Brady

“People are like, ‘Wayne Brady’s always happy! No I’m not, because I’m human.” In a conversation about his Depression.

John Hamm

“Medical attention is medical attention whether it’s for your elbow or for your teeth or for your brain. We live in a world where to admit anything negative about yourself is seen as a weakness, when it’s actually a strength. It’s not a weak move to say, ‘I need help.’ In the long run, it’s way better, because you have to fix it.” In a conversation about his Depression.

Dwayne Johnson

“Asking for help when you’re down or when you’re feeling wobbly or when you’re depressed is actually the most powerful thing you can do.” In a conversation about his Depression.

Lady Gaga

“There is a lot of shame attached to mental illness, but it’s important that you know that there is hope and a chance for recovery.” On her battle with PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression

Carrie Fisher

“Think of it as an opportunity to be heroic—not ‘I survived living in Mosul during an attack’ heroic, but an emotional survival. An opportunity to be a good example to others who might share our disorder. That’s why it’s important to find a community—however small—of other bipolar people to share experiences and find comfort in the similarities.” Speaking about her Bipolar Disorder, addiction, and body dysmorphia.

Kristen Bell

“Everyone thinks there’s some shame in it. I am someone who takes a medication for her anxiety and depression. I am someone who has to check myself and sometimes — if I’m feeling really low — make a checklist of good and bad things in my life to see if it’s my mental state or if we really have a problem.” Speaking about her Anxiety and depression battle.

Zayne Malik

“I’d just go for days — sometimes two or three days straight — without eating anything at all… We’re all human. People are often afraid to admit difficulties, but I don’t believe that there should be a struggle with anything that’s the truth.” On his Anxiety and eating disorder.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

“If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it. There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help.” On her Bipolar II diagnosis

Chrissy Teigan

“I’m speaking up now because I want people to know it can happen to anybody and I don’t want people who have it to feel embarrassed or to feel alone. I also don’t want to pretend like I know everything about postpartum depression, because it can be different for everybody. But one thing I do know is that—for me—just merely being open about it helps.” On her Postpartum Depression Journey

Kerry Washington

“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? On her history with Anxiety.

Camila Cabello

“OCD is weird. I laugh about it now. Everybody has different ways of handling stress. And, for me, if I get really stressed about something, I’ll start to have the same thought over and over again, and no matter how many times I get to the resolution, I feel like something bad is about to happen if I don’t keep thinking about it.” On her history with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Prince Harry

“The experience that I have is that once you start talking about it [a mental illness], you suddenly realize that actually, you’re part of quite a big club,” On his journey with Anxiety.

Changing the Stigma

Powerful statements from influential people help to inspire, encourage, and break down stigmas associated with mental illness. Many fans of these celebrities have found hope and help based on each story and statement of struggle and victory. At the core of each quote is that you are not alone. If you have a mental illness, don’t write it off. It is okay to seek help, and doing so is a great show of strength. There is help and hope, all you have to do is reach out.

Resources

https://www.prevention.com/health/mental-health/g20078276/celebrities-with-depression/?slide=4

https://www.insider.com/celebrities-depression-anxiety-mental-health-awareness-2017-11#selena-gomez-revealed-her-bipolar-diagnosis-during-a-conversation-with-miley-cyrus-in-april-2020-35

https://www.glamour.com/story/chrissy-teigen-postpartum-depression

16 Celebrities with Mental Illnesses – Quotes to Inspire