The new Taylor Swift documentary, Miss Americana, has everyone talking as she opens up about dealing with hate, shame, anxiety, and an eating disorder that made her extremely thin. It’s a reminder that celebrities face real-life issues just like the rest of us.
Anxiety is no longer a secret, with more conversations happening around mental health every day, including among celebrities. According to the Mental Health Foundation, approximately three million people suffer from anxiety in the UK.
Taylor Swift, now 30, has faced a lot of public criticism over the years, from being called annoying to being critiqued for her body. In her new documentary, Miss Americana, she shares how this affected her, admitting that she stayed out of the public eye for a year because she thought that’s what people wanted.
This feeling of needing to hide is something many can relate to. Despite her confident public persona and numerous awards, Swift has struggled with anxiety. She mentions in the film that she often felt she was battling for respect and had to deconstruct her belief system to cope.
Throughout her career, Swift felt pressured to maintain a “good girl” image, which led to destructive behaviors like starving herself. This pressure to meet expectations took a toll, as revealed in her documentary.
She discusses her song “Out of the Woods” and the fragility she felt in a past relationship, constantly fearing it would fall apart. The documentary Miss Americana is available in select theaters and on Netflix from January 31st.
Actress Sienna Miller, in contrast, shared in an interview that she has avoided social media for two years to manage her anxiety. Celebrities like Miller remind us that anxiety and depression are widespread issues. According to Anxiety UK, around 10% of the UK population will experience some form of anxiety disorder at some point.
Model Kendall Jenner has also been open about her anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep paralysis, sharing how these issues have affected her life. Her condition has led to a fear of sleep and contributes to her anxiety.
Singer Adele struggled with anxiety early in her career, which prevented her from performing live. She has overcome some of her fears by creating an alter ego, Sasha Carter, inspired by Beyoncé and June Carter.
Kristen Bell uses her platform to talk openly about her anxiety and the stigma surrounding mental health. She shares her experiences and coping mechanisms, believing that openness is crucial for change.
Ryan Reynolds, known for his humorous roles, has admitted to having anxiety for many years. He often uses humor and his characters, like Deadpool, to manage his anxiety.
Gina Rodriguez, star of Jane the Virgin, has also talked about her struggles with panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. She uses social media to share her journey and help combat the stigma around mental health, particularly in the Latino community.
These celebrities’ openness about their mental health challenges helps raise awareness and encourage others to seek help and support.
