The new Taylor Swift documentary, Miss Americana, is causing a stir as she openly discusses her struggles with hate, shame, anxiety, and an eating disorder that slimmed her down to a size two. It’s a strong reminder that celebrities are just as human as the rest of us.
Anxiety is no stranger to anyone these days, with increasing discussions about mental health. According to the Mental Health Foundation, about three million people suffer from anxiety, as per the latest Psychiatric Morbidity Survey.
Taylor Swift, now 30, has faced intense public scrutiny from a young age, being labeled as ‘too annoying,’ ‘too skinny,’ or ‘looking pregnant.’ But how did these affect her? In her new documentary directed by Lana Wilson, Miss Americana, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, Swift explains she isolated herself for a year, thinking that’s what people wanted from her.
Despite her confident public persona and numerous awards, Swift dealt with severe anxiety. She reveals that she fought for respect and had to dismantle an imposed belief system. Throughout her career, she felt pressured to be the ‘good girl,’ a stereotype enforced by executives. This pressure led her to extreme measures, including starving herself, to live up to expectations – a point of no woman should reach.
Ultimately, the pressure took a toll on her, as detailed in her documentary. Introducing her song ‘Out of the Woods’ in the film, she talks about her fears regarding the stability of her past relationship, constantly fearing it would fall apart.
Miss Americana will be available in selected theaters and on Netflix from January 31st.
Actress Sienna Miller, known for her roles in Stardust and Layer Cake, revealed she hasn’t used social media for over two years due to anxiety. This showcases that anxiety and depressive disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their public persona.
Anxiety UK reports that around 10 percent of the UK’s population will experience anxiety at some point. Additionally, one in six adults in Great Britain reported experiencing a neurotic health problem in a previous week.
Factors leading to anxiety disorders are numerous, underscoring that anxiety is prevalent across different socioeconomic backgrounds.
23-year-old model Kendall Jenner has also been outspoken about her anxiety, sharing her struggles through interviews and social media. She has faced severe criticism and abuse since being pushed into the spotlight at an early age. Jenner admitted in a 2016 episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians to suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep paralysis, a condition that has exacerbated her anxiety.
Singer Adele experienced significant anxiety early in her career, particularly fearing panic attacks during performances. Despite this, she has managed her anxiety with the help of her alter ego, Sasha Carter, inspired by Beyoncé and June Carter, transforming her anxiety management.
Kristen Bell, known for voicing Princess Anna in Frozen, actively advocates for mental health awareness. She has written openly about her struggles with anxiety and the stigma surrounding it. Bell even held an Instagram Q&A to discuss her anxiety, recommending CBD lotion for its believed pain-relieving capabilities. She credits her openness to her husband, Dax Sheppard, who has been openly sober for 14 years.
Actor Ryan Reynolds, known for his role in Deadpool, surprisingly suffers from anxiety. He uses his humor and characters to manage his anxiety, which started in his youth due to a complicated relationship with his father. Despite his not-so-typical childhood, Reynolds acknowledges it shaped who he is today.
Gina Rodriguez, known for Jane the Virgin, has been vocal about her panic attacks and suicidal thoughts, even experiencing a panic attack on set. Social media has been a positive outlet for her to share her mental health journey, especially within the Latino community. Rodriguez also discusses her challenges with body positivity due to a thyroid condition causing weight gain and fatigue.
Walking can help with depression and anxiety, making it an accessible coping strategy. Understanding one’s beliefs around anxiety and addressing them can also alleviate symptoms. The rise of ‘freelancer depression’ and how to manage it, alongside celebrities coping with various phobias, highlight the importance of mental health awareness across all walks of life.
