The new Taylor Swift documentary, “Miss Americana,” has stirred up conversation as Swift opens up about her experiences with hate, shame, anxiety, and an eating disorder that caused her to shrink to a size two. It’s a reminder that celebrities experience struggles just like anyone else. Anxiety, a common issue many people face, is increasingly discussed in the realm of mental health, and celebrities are no exception to this.
In the United Kingdom, around three million people reportedly suffer from anxiety, as per the latest Psychiatric Morbidity Survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation. This highlights the prevalence of anxiety issues across different walks of life.
Taylor Swift, now 30, has been subjected to public scrutiny from a young age, facing criticism for everything from her personality to her appearance. The impact of this criticism is revealed in her documentary, directed by Lana Wilson, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23rd. In it, Swift mentions feeling isolated and invisible for a year, believing that was how people wanted her.
Despite her confident public persona and numerous awards, Swift has dealt with anxiety privately. She reveals fighting for respect throughout her career, under pressure to maintain the image of a “good girl,” as dictated by executives. This pressure to meet expectations led her into a cycle of self-destructive behaviors, including extreme dieting that left her feeling faint during performances.
The documentary shows how Swift was driven by desperation to meet public expectations until she reached a breaking point. Reflecting on her song “Out of the Woods,” she describes her past relationship fears and anxieties about its stability. Her lack of confidence in her relationship’s longevity added to her stress.
“Miss Americana” is set to be available in select theaters and on Netflix starting January 31st.
Actress Sienna Miller shared in an interview with Porter Edit magazine that she has avoided social media for over two years due to the anxiety it incites, providing another example of how pervasive anxiety can be among celebrities. Anxiety and depression are common, affecting about 10% of the UK population at some point in their lives, according to Anxiety UK. Various factors can contribute to anxiety disorders, creating a common thread that affects people across socioeconomic lines.
Among other celebrities, Kendall Jenner has spoken openly about her anxiety, exacerbated by her public life since childhood. She has been the target of severe harassment, and in 2017, she filed a restraining order against a man who had been obsessed with her since she was a child. Jenner has shared that her anxiety manifests in sleep paralysis, a terrifying experience of being awake but unable to move, sometimes accompanied by hallucinations.
Adele, who rose to fame at 20, has also discussed her anxiety, particularly around performing live. Although she still experiences panic attacks, she has managed her anxiety through an alter ego, “Sasha Carter,” inspired by a mix of influences, including Beyoncé.
Kristen Bell, known for her role in “Frozen,” actively advocates for mental health awareness and challenges the stigma surrounding mental illness. Through her writings and interviews, she encourages open conversations about mental health and shares her personal coping strategies.
Ryan Reynolds has surprisingly opened up about his anxiety, explaining that his comedic persona is a way to manage his fears. His anxiety likely began in childhood due to a difficult relationship with his father, but he credits his humor to his upbringing.
Gina Rodriguez has also candidly discussed her struggles with anxiety and how it has affected her career and personal life. By sharing her journey, she hopes to encourage others to seek help and break down stigma, particularly within the Latino community.
These stories shed light on the shared human experience of dealing with anxiety, reminding us that it can affect anyone, regardless of fame or fortune.
