The new Taylor Swift documentary, “Miss Americana,” has sparked a lot of conversation as she opens up about dealing with hate, shame, anxiety, and an eating disorder that once left her incredibly thin. It’s a reminder that celebrities, like all of us, face personal struggles. Anxiety isn’t new, and more people are sharing their mental health experiences, including well-known figures.
Surveys, like the one from the Mental Health Foundation, show that about three million people suffer from anxiety. Celebrities such as Taylor Swift are no exception, revealing their struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. Despite facing public criticism for being “too annoying” or “too skinny,” Swift has been dealing with the pressure of maintaining a certain image. In her documentary, premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, she mentions that she felt isolated for a year because she thought that’s what people wanted.
For someone who appears so confident and successful, with at least 21 awards, it’s surprising to hear about her anxiety. But mental health issues aren’t always visible. Swift shares how she felt she constantly needed to fight for respect and wished to dismantle the belief system imposed on her by industry executives. The pressure led to self-destructive behaviors such as starving herself to maintain appearances, but the documentary uncovers the toll it took on her.
She expresses this in “Out of the Woods,” reflecting fragile and tentative feelings about her past relationship. She feared the relationship’s potential failure and often wondered how long it would last before ending messily. “Miss Americana” will be available in select theaters and on Netflix starting January 31st.
In a recent chat with Porter Edit magazine, actress Sienna Miller revealed she doesn’t use social media due to the anxiety it causes. People might dismiss celebrities’ admissions about anxiety as trendy, but these issues are common for many. According to Anxiety UK, about 10 percent of the UK population will face some form of anxiety disorder at some point.
Various factors can contribute to anxiety disorders, making it easier to understand their prevalence across different socioeconomic backgrounds. For instance, model Kendall Jenner has openly discussed her anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep paralysis troubles through her family’s show “Keeping up with the Kardashians” and her social media. These experiences have partially been attributed to her early exposure to public life and negative attention.
Sleep paralysis, a condition where someone is conscious but temporarily unable to move or speak, adds another layer of fear. Thankfully, only a small percentage report experiencing this, but the experience can be frightening.
British singer Adele has also struggled with anxiety, initially being wary of performing live. She overcame some of these fears with an alter ego, Sasha Carter, a mix of Beyoncé’s “Sasha Fierce” and country singer June Carter, which revolutionized her approach to anxiety.
Actress Kristen Bell has worked extensively to challenge perceptions of mental health, sharing her battles with anxiety and encouraging an open dialogue about mental illness. She’s known for her candidness and uses platforms like Instagram to share experiences and advice, aiming to combat stigma.
Ryan Reynolds, known for his humorous roles, surprises many with his anxiety admission, explaining that his quick wit partly stems from it. His anxiety is significant enough that he remains in character during movie sets and interviews to manage it.
Gina Rodriguez, famous for “Jane the Virgin,” has been open about her anxiety and depression. She shared experiencing panic attacks during filming and uses social media to talk about mental health in the Latino community. She discusses her struggles with body image and a thyroid condition, hoping her openness inspires others to address their mental health.
