7 Surprising Celebrities Who Secretly Struggle with Anxiety

7 Surprising Celebrities Who Secretly Struggle with Anxiety

The new Taylor Swift documentary, Miss Americana, has sparked a lot of discussions as she opens up about issues like hate, shame, anxiety, and an eating disorder that once led her to shrink to a size two. It’s a solid reminder that celebrities are human too, just like us. Anxiety isn’t a hidden topic anymore, with daily conversations around mental health becoming more common—and celebrities aren’t immune to it either.

Based on a survey by the Mental Health Foundation, about three million people suffer from anxiety, according to the latest Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. Here are some influential celebrities who struggle with anxiety and panic attacks—some of their stories might surprise you.

Taylor Swift, now 30, has faced a lot of public criticism over the years, from claims of being ‘too annoying’ to ‘too skinny’ or ‘looking pregnant.’ But how did all this affect her? In her documentary directed by Lana Wilson, which premiered on January 23rd at the Sundance Film Festival, Swift mentioned a period when she purposely stayed out of the public eye for a year, thinking that’s what people wanted.

It’s a feeling many of us can relate to—wanting to hide away from the spotlight. Known for her confidence and holding numerous awards, seeing this side of Swift was unexpected for many. It shows that anxiety isn’t always visible. Previously, she has discussed battling anxiety in her romantic relationships, constantly feeling the need to earn respect and having to undo her belief system.

Throughout her journey, she was pressured to be the ‘good girl,’ an image that was imposed by executives who believed a ‘nice girl doesn’t force their opinions on people.’ This pressure led her toward self-destructive behavior, at times even starving herself, which resulted in feeling faint during live performances. It’s a situation no one should endure. Swift tried to maintain appearances and meet expectations, but it eventually took a toll on her, as depicted in her documentary.

Relating to her song ‘Out of the Woods,’ she described feeling fragile and uncertain. She worried her past relationship wouldn’t last and questioned how long it would take before it ended. Miss Americana will be available in select theaters and on Netflix from January 31st.

Actress Sienna Miller recently shared that she has avoided social media for over two years, citing the anxiety and exposure it brings as reasons for her digital detox. When celebrities speak about their struggles with anxiety, it can be easy to dismiss it as a trend. However, anxiety and depression are very common. Anxiety UK reports that about 10 percent of the UK population will experience an anxiety disorder at some point.

In Great Britain, a study found that one in six adults reported experiencing a neurotic health problem in the previous week. Several factors can contribute to anxiety, and it’s clear how widespread these struggles are, cutting across different socioeconomic statuses.

Model Kendall Jenner has been public about her anxiety, sharing her experiences through interviews and social media. She has faced severe public scrutiny since a young age, which has included dealing with stalkers. Jenner has spoken about dealing with sleep paralysis, a condition that can happen upon waking or falling asleep, leaving a person conscious but unable to move. Though not considered dangerous, it’s terrifying and can lead people to experience hallucinations.

Singer Adele, who broke into the mainstream at 20, struggled with anxiety about performing live. She feared panic attacks would prevent her from taking the stage. However, with the help of her alter ego, Sasha Carter—a mix of Beyoncé’s Sasha Fierce and June Carter—she has managed to overcome her stage anxiety.

Kristen Bell, known for her work in Frozen, actively advocates for more understanding around mental health. She’s been vocal about her experiences with anxiety and regularly shares coping strategies, such as using CBD lotion. Bell’s openness was partly inspired by her husband, Dax Shepard, who has been sober for over 14 years.

Ryan Reynolds, renowned for his role as Deadpool, surprisingly revealed he’s always dealt with anxiety. He uses humor and staying in character to manage his anxious feelings. His childhood experiences with his father influenced this coping mechanism, as he felt the need to maintain peace at home.

Gina Rodriguez, star of Jane the Virgin, has discussed her battles with panic attacks and suicidal thoughts, particularly during stressful work periods. She credits social media with helping her share her journey with anxiety and aims to break the stigma, especially within the Latino community. Rodriguez is also open about her struggles with body acceptance due to a thyroid condition affecting her weight and energy levels.

These stories shed light on how prevalent anxiety is and show that no one is immune, regardless of their fame or success.