The new Taylor Swift documentary, “Miss Americana,” has everyone talking. In it, Taylor opens up about her experiences with hate, shame, anxiety, and an eating disorder that made her shrink to a size two. It’s a reminder that celebrities are human, just like us.
Anxiety isn’t a secret anymore, with more people openly discussing mental health, including celebrities. A survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that roughly three million people in the UK suffer from anxiety.
Taylor Swift, now 30, has faced a lot of public criticism for being “too annoying,” “too skinny,” or “looking pregnant.” In her documentary, she shares that she hid from the public for a year, thinking that’s what people wanted. Despite her confident public persona and numerous awards, Taylor battled anxiety and felt the constant need to gain people’s respect.
Throughout her career, Taylor felt pressured to be seen as the “good girl,” an image forced upon her by industry executives. This pressure led her to unhealthy behaviors, including starving herself and feeling faint during performances. The documentary highlights how this constant pressure took a toll on her mental health.
Taylor candidly talks about her fears in the song “Out of the Woods,” expressing how fragile and tentative things felt. She was often anxious about her past relationship ending and constantly worried about what might go wrong next.
“Miss Americana” will be available in select theaters and on Netflix starting January 31st.
Other celebrities have also shared their struggles with anxiety. Actress Sienna Miller revealed she hasn’t engaged with social media for over two years due to anxiety. When celebrities talk about their anxiety, it’s easy to dismiss their concerns as trendy. However, anxiety and depression are common and affect many people. Anxiety UK states that about 10 percent of the UK population will experience an anxiety disorder at some point.
Model Kendall Jenner has spoken about her anxiety through interviews, social media, and her family’s show, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” She has faced severe public scrutiny since being scouted as a model in her early teens, leading to anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep paralysis.
Singer Adele, who broke into the mainstream at 20, revealed her anxiety about performing live. She developed an alter ego, Sasha Carter, to help her manage her stage fright. Inspired by Beyoncé’s Sasha Fierce and June Carter, Adele credits this alter ego with helping her overcome her fears.
Actress Kristen Bell has been an advocate for mental health, writing an open letter about her experiences with anxiety and the stigma of mental illness. She has been open in interviews, hosted Instagram Q&A sessions, and shared her coping mechanisms, including CBD lotion.
Ryan Reynolds, known for his role as Deadpool, has also discussed his anxiety. He credits his fast-paced humor to his anxiety and staying in character on set and in interviews to manage his symptoms. Reynolds believes his anxiety began in childhood due to a complicated relationship with his father.
Gina Rodriguez, star of “Jane the Virgin,” admitted to struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. She has used social media to share her journey and hopes her openness will help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, particularly in the Latino community.
These celebrities have bravely shared their mental health struggles, helping to normalize the conversation and support those who face similar challenges.
