The new Taylor Swift documentary, “Miss Americana,” has sparked quite the conversation as she opens up about dealing with hate, shame, anxiety, and an eating disorder that caused her to become dangerously thin. It reminds us that celebrities are human too. Anxiety is a common topic these days, and more people, including celebrities, are speaking out about their mental health struggles.
A survey by the Mental Health Foundation shows that about three million people deal with anxiety, as indicated by the latest Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. Here are seven influential celebrities who experience anxiety and panic attacks – some of them might surprise you.
Taylor Swift, now 30, has faced public criticism for various reasons, from being “too annoying” to “too skinny” or even “looking pregnant.” But how has this impacted her? In her new documentary directed by Lana Wilson, which premiered at Sundance, Taylor reveals that she withdrew from public view for a year because she thought that’s what people wanted.
It’s a relatable feeling, wanting to hide away. Taylor, often seen as brimming with confidence with over twenty-one awards to her name, surprised many by revealing her struggles. She discusses battling anxiety, particularly while in a romantic relationship, feeling like she was constantly fighting for respect and having to deconstruct her belief system. She was pressured to maintain a “good girl” image and not share her opinions openly.
The fear of never being enough led Taylor to extreme dieting to the point of nearly passing out during performances. She felt the need to keep up appearances, which took a significant toll on her health, as shown in the documentary.
When talking about her song “Out of the Woods,” she describes feeling fragile and uncertain, fearing for the stability of her past relationships. “Miss Americana” will be available in select theaters and on Netflix starting January 31st.
Sienna Miller, another celebrity, shared in an interview that she hasn’t used social media for over two years because it triggers major anxiety. Her decision underscores the mental health struggles celebrities face, often dismissed as trends but very real and common. Anxiety UK reports that about 10 percent of the UK population will experience an anxiety disorder at some point.
Model Kendall Jenner has also spoken about her anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep paralysis, revealing how her fame and early start in modeling led to severe personal struggles. In 2016, she talked about these issues on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” explaining that sleep paralysis and the fear of sleep have exacerbated her anxiety.
Singer Adele faced severe anxiety when she first gained fame, particularly fearing live performances. She created an alter ego, “Sasha Carter” (inspired by Beyoncé’s “Sasha Fierce” and June Carter), to help her manage her anxiety during performances.
Actress Kristen Bell, known for her voice role as Princess Anna in “Frozen,” has been a vocal advocate for mental health. She has openly discussed her battles with anxiety to help reduce the stigma around mental illness and actively engages with her fans to share coping strategies.
Ryan Reynolds also opened up about his lifelong struggle with anxiety, attributing some of it to his relationship with his father. He uses humor and his on-screen personas, like Deadpool, to manage his anxiety.
Actress Gina Rodriguez, star of “Jane the Virgin,” has dealt with panic attacks and thoughts of suicide. She has used her platform to talk about these issues, especially within the Latino community, and hopes her openness will encourage others to seek help.
Understanding how anxiety affects people, regardless of their socioeconomic status, shows how widespread and impactful it can be. Celebrities sharing their stories helps in breaking down the stigma and encourages others to talk about their mental health.