The new Taylor Swift documentary, Miss Americana, has got everyone talking as she opens up about her struggles with hate, shame, anxiety, and an eating disorder that made her very thin. It’s a good reminder that celebrities are just people, dealing with the same issues as the rest of us.
Anxiety is a common topic these days, and celebrities are no exception. According to the Mental Health Foundation, around three million people in the UK suffer from anxiety.
Here are seven influential celebrities who have battled anxiety and panic attacks that might surprise you.
First up is Taylor Swift, who at 30 has faced a lot of public criticism since she was young. From being called ‘too annoying,’ ‘too skinny,’ or even looking ‘pregnant,’ she faced a lot. But how did it all affect her? In her new documentary, Miss Americana, she shares how she isolated herself from the public, thinking that’s what people wanted. Despite her confident public persona and numerous awards, she has struggled with anxiety, particularly in her relationships, feeling like she needed to earn respect constantly.
Her career was marked by the pressure to be seen as the ‘good girl,’ a perception enforced by executives who believed nice girls shouldn’t impose their opinions. This pressure led Swift to starve herself and almost faint during performances—a dangerous situation no one should face. Over time, trying to maintain appearances took a toll on her, and this is shown in the documentary.
Introducing the song ‘Out of the Woods,’ Swift described it as feeling very fragile and uncertain. She often worried about the stability of her past relationship, fearing it would end in a mess. Miss Americana will be available in select theaters and on Netflix from January 31st.
Actress Sienna Miller, known for Stardust and Layer Cake, shared in a recent interview with Porter Edit magazine that she hasn’t used social media for over two years due to the anxiety it causes her. It’s easy to dismiss celebrities’ issues with anxiety as trendy, but anxiety and depression are common. According to Anxiety UK, around 10 percent of the UK population will experience an anxiety disorder at some stage in their life.
Kendall Jenner, a 23-year-old model and reality star, has also been open about her struggles with anxiety. She’s faced severe abuse online since her teens and has had panic attacks and sleep paralysis, making her anxious about sleeping.
Adele, who became famous at 20, revealed in 2011 that she has anxiety about performing live. She feared having anxiety attacks at festivals or arenas. She credits her alter ego, Sasha Carter, a combination of Beyoncé’s Sasha Fierce and June Carter, for helping her manage her anxiety.
Kristen Bell, famous for her role in Frozen, has actively worked to change the perception of mental health in Hollywood. She’s been open about her battles with anxiety and depression, encouraging others to seek help without shame.
Ryan Reynolds, known for his role as Deadpool, has also spoken about his lifelong struggle with anxiety. He’s used humor as a coping mechanism, partly influenced by his relationship with his father.
Gina Rodriguez, star of Jane the Virgin, has talked about managing panic attacks and thoughts of suicide, particularly during the final season of her show. She’s used social media to talk about her struggles and hopes to reduce the stigma around mental health issues, especially in the Latino community.
These celebrities remind us that anxiety can affect anyone, and it’s important to talk about it openly.
