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 shrink to a size two. It’s a reminder that celebrities are human, just like the rest of us.
Mental health discussions have become more common, with numerous people, including celebrities, sharing their struggles with anxiety. According to the Mental Health Foundation’s latest survey, about three million people suffer from anxiety.
Swift, now 30, has faced public criticism for many years. She admits in her documentary that this took a toll on her, leading her to isolate herself for a year, thinking it was what people wanted. Despite her confident public persona and numerous awards, she reveals how deeply anxiety affected her, especially during her career where she felt pressured to be the “good girl”. This pressure led her to extreme measures, including starving herself to meet expectations.
Her escape from these crippling expectations and the candidness in her documentary shed light on the immense pressure faced by those in the public eye. During the documentary, she even mentions her constant fear that her past relationship wouldn’t last, showcasing how anxiety permeated her personal life.
The documentary “Miss Americana” is available in select theaters and on Netflix from January 31st.
Actress Sienna Miller, known for roles in “Stardust” and “Layer Cake,” revealed she hasn’t engaged with social media for over two years due to high anxiety. This highlights how social media can exacerbate anxiety for some people.
Anxiety disorders are incredibly common. According to Anxiety UK, about 10 percent of the UK population will experience an anxiety disorder at some point. Many factors can lead to anxiety disorders, making it a widespread issue regardless of one’s background.
Model Kendall Jenner has openly discussed her battle with anxiety. Having been in the public eye from a young age, she has been subjected to severe abuse. She has had to file restraining orders and deal with sleep paralysis, which significantly contributed to her anxiety.
Singer Adele, who broke into the mainstream in 2008, admits to anxiety about performing live, particularly at festivals or arenas. She created an alter ego, Sasha Carter, to help her manage her anxiety, a technique also employed by actor Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds, known for his quick wit, associates his humor partially with his anxiety, which he has experienced since his youth.
Kristen Bell, famous for her role in “Frozen,” has been an active advocate for changing attitudes towards mental health. She has shared her struggles with anxiety through open letters, interviews, and social media, providing others with advice and encouragement.
Gina Rodriguez, known for “Jane the Virgin,” has talked about her struggles with panic attacks and body acceptance, exacerbated by a thyroid condition. She uses her platform to raise awareness about mental health, particularly within the Latino community.
These stories show that anxiety and other mental health issues are common and affect people from all walks of life, including those who seem to have it all together. Sharing these experiences helps reduce stigma and encourages others to seek help and support.
