The new Taylor Swift documentary, “Miss Americana,” has got everyone talking as Taylor opens up about her struggles with hate, shame, anxiety, and an eating disorder that caused her to become very thin. Celebrities deal with anxiety too, just like many of us.
A survey by the Mental Health Foundation shows that about three million people suffer from anxiety, as per the latest Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. Let’s look at seven influential celebrities who have battled anxiety and panic attacks—some of these might surprise you.
Taylor Swift, now 30, has faced plenty of public criticism for things like being “too annoying” or “too skinny.” So, how did all of this affect her? In “Miss Americana,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, Taylor reveals that she isolated herself because she believed it’s what people wanted from her.
This feeling is something many of us understand—shutting ourselves away from the spotlight. For a woman who appears confident in her career, holding at least 21 awards, it’s surprising to see her struggle with anxiety. Taylor admits she constantly felt like she was fighting for respect and had to reconstruct her whole belief system to cope.
Throughout her career, Taylor felt pressured to be seen as the “good girl,” a notion imposed by music executives who believed a nice girl doesn’t force her opinions on others. The fear of never being enough led to her starving herself and almost passing out during performances. It’s awful and no woman should have to endure that.
Anxiety makes its mark on everyone, despite appearances. Taylor’s experience reminds us that mental struggles can be hidden behind a confident exterior. As she continues sharing her story, we see how the pressure to maintain appearances can negatively impact mental health.
The documentary “Miss Americana” will be shown in select theaters and on Netflix starting January 31st.
On a related note, actress Sienna Miller has been off social media for over two years because it caused her extreme anxiety. Celebrities often bring attention to anxiety, but it’s important to remember that these mental health issues are very real and common. According to Anxiety UK, around 10 percent of the UK population will face an anxiety disorder at some point.
Model Kendall Jenner, who has been in the spotlight since she was young, has openly discussed her struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep paralysis on her family’s show, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” She experienced severe harassment and even had to file restraining orders against stalkers. Sleep paralysis adds to her anxiety, making her fearful of falling asleep.
When singer Adele burst onto the scene in 2008, she was only 20. By 2011, she admitted that anxiety made performing live stressful. Although she still deals with anxiety, she copes by adopting an alter ego named Sasha Carter, inspired by Beyoncé and June Carter. This persona helps her manage her stage fright.
Kristen Bell, known for her role as Princess Anna in “Frozen,” works to break the stigma around mental health. She has shared her experiences with anxiety and encourages others to seek help. Bell even held an Instagram Q&A about anxiety and shares her coping mechanisms, like using CBD lotion.
Ryan Reynolds, famous for his role as Deadpool, unexpectedly comes forward about his anxiety. He uses humor, often staying in character during interviews to manage his anxiety. His relationship with his father contributed to his anxious tendencies, but it also shaped his unique sense of humor.
Actress Gina Rodriguez, recognized for “Jane the Virgin,” has openly talked about her experiences with panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. She’s used social media to discuss her mental health journey and to combat the stigma, especially within the Latino community. Rodriguez also deals with body image issues due to a thyroid condition.
Understanding that celebrities face these struggles can help normalize conversations about mental health and encourage others to seek help.
