The new Taylor Swift documentary, “Miss Americana,” has created quite a buzz as she opens up about her struggles with hate, shame, anxiety, and an eating disorder that caused her to shrink to a size two. It’s a reminder that celebrities are human too.
Anxiety is a common issue, and more people are talking about mental health now, including celebrities. According to the Mental Health Foundation, about three million people suffer from anxiety.
Taylor Swift, now 30, has faced a lot of public criticism since she was young. In her documentary, she reveals how it affected her, saying, “No one physically saw me for a year, and that’s what I thought they wanted.” Despite her confident public persona and numerous awards, Swift struggled with anxiety. She often felt she had to “deconstruct an entire belief system” to gain respect and was pressured to always be the “good girl.”
The stress even led Swift to starve herself and feel faint during performances. She felt the need to maintain appearances, which took a toll on her mental health. In the documentary, she talks about fears in her past relationship and the pressure she felt.
“Miss Americana” will be available in select theaters and on Netflix from January 31st.
Actress Sienna Miller has also opened up about anxiety, mentioning that she’s stayed away from social media for over two years due to anxiety.
Celebrities like Adele have shared their struggles with anxiety. Adele revealed her reluctance to perform live because of anxiety but overcame it with the help of her alter ego, “Sasha Carter,” inspired by Beyoncé and June Carter.
Kristen Bell is another celebrity who actively speaks about mental health, working to break the stigma around it. She shares tips and coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety, inspired by her husband’s openness about his sobriety.
Ryan Reynolds, known for his role as Deadpool, has also talked about his anxiety, saying he uses humor and staying in character to cope. He attributes part of his anxiety to his relationship with his father.
Gina Rodriguez, star of “Jane the Virgin,” has been open about her panic attacks and thoughts of suicide. She uses social media to discuss her mental health journey and combat the stigma, particularly in the Latino community.
These stories show that anxiety and other mental health issues affect many people, regardless of their fame. It’s important to continue the conversation and support one another.
