Taylor Swift’s new documentary, “Miss Americana,” has everyone talking as she opens up about her struggles with hate, shame, anxiety, and an eating disorder that made her dangerously thin. It’s a reminder that celebrities deal with real issues just like anyone else.
Anxiety is a hot topic these days, with more people discussing mental health openly, and celebrities are no different. A survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that nearly three million people suffer from anxiety, as shown in their latest Psychiatric Morbidity Survey.
Here are some celebrities who have faced anxiety and panic attacks, and their stories might surprise you.
Taylor Swift, at 30, has faced a lot of public scrutiny over the years, from being called annoying to criticisms about her weight and appearance. But how has all this negative attention affected her? In her documentary directed by Lana Wilson, Swift shares that she isolated herself for a year, thinking that’s what people wanted.
This is something many can relate to—hiding away from the spotlight. Despite her confident public persona and numerous awards, Swift has struggled with deep anxiety. In past discussions and in “Miss Americana,” she mentions the pressure to always be seen as the ‘good girl,’ a role pushed on her by industry executives. This constant pressure led her to unhealthy behaviors, including starving herself and feeling faint during live shows. She felt she had to live up to people’s expectations, which took a heavy toll.
In introducing her song “Out of the Woods,” she openly talks about the fragility and fear she felt in relationships, always worried about them falling apart. The documentary, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, gives an unflinching look at these personal battles.
The film will be available in select theaters and on Netflix starting January 31st.
Sienna Miller, known for roles in “Stardust” and “Layer Cake,” revealed in Porter Edit magazine that she hasn’t engaged with social media for over two years due to intense anxiety. This reflects the pressure celebrities face and how anxiety and depression are widespread issues, not just trends. According to Anxiety UK, about 10 percent of the UK population will deal with some form of anxiety disorder in their lifetime.
Kendall Jenner opened up about her anxiety on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” discussing panic attacks and sleep paralysis, a condition where one is conscious but unable to move or speak, often accompanied by terrifying hallucinations.
Singer Adele, who gained fame in 2008, once hesitated to perform live due to anxiety. She’s managed her stage fright with an alter ego named Sasha Carter, inspired by Beyoncé and June Carter, which helped transform her performance anxiety.
Kristen Bell has been vocal about her experiences with anxiety, working with the Child Mind Institute to tackle the stigma around mental health. She shares coping mechanisms and openly discusses her struggles to encourage others to seek help and break down misconceptions about mental illness.
Ryan Reynolds, known for his witty role as Deadpool, also battles anxiety. He has shared that his quick-witted humor helps him manage his anxious feelings, which stem from his childhood relationship with his father. Despite the challenges, Reynolds believes his unique upbringing shaped him positively.
Gina Rodriguez, star of “Jane the Virgin,” has spoken about her panic attacks and suicidal thoughts, especially during stressful times. She uses her platform to fight stigma and promote mental health awareness, particularly in the Latino community. Rodriguez also addresses struggles with body image due to a thyroid condition, hoping her openness will inspire others to take action.
These celebrities’ stories highlight that anyone can struggle with anxiety and mental health issues, regardless of their public persona. Their candidness helps shed light on the importance of mental health awareness and support.
