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The Stigma of Mental Illness: Celebrities Step Forward
We rarely that think of celebrities as fully-fledged human beings with problems and disorders of their own. The death of Robin Williams in 2014 helped illuminate the importance of discussing the ever-present stigma associated with mental illness, and the way in which those who battle a mood disorder often suffer quietly – failing to get the support and treatment they need.
In an effort to make a change, an incredible number of celebrities have come forward to share their personal struggles with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders in the hopes of encouraging others to step forward, share their stories, and get treatment.
Lady Gaga
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After the release of her first album in 2008, Lady Gaga was catapulted into the limelight. Having struggled with depression throughout her teenage years, she learned to use music as a coping tool, but admits that staying on track can be a daily struggle. A combination of medication, therapy, and the right coping tools have helped her find balance, and self-acceptance. Read more about her struggle in this article from Esperanza magazine.
Howie Mandel
Despite finding incredible success as a comedian, Howie Mandel has struggled with depression and anxiety (specifically Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) since he was a child. After years of quietly battling his symptoms, they finally became impossible to manage, and he sought treatment. Since beginning treatment, Mandel has become a huge proponent of psychotherapy and mental health education. You can read more about Howie’s struggle with OCD here.
Portia de Rossi
Actress Portia de Rossi has been bravely forthcoming about her struggle with disordered eating, including penning a book about her decades-long battle with anorexia and bulimia. After years of keeping her eating disorder a secret, therapy and recovery helped de Rossi learn to be comfortable in her own skin - in spite of the imperfections she sees in the mirror.
Maria Bamford
Comedienne Maria Bamford has always been an open book. Her candid stories about her personal struggles with bipolar disorder and OCD encourage others suffering with mood disorders to not only acknowledge them, but to tackle them head on. Bamford’s new show, titled “Lady Dynamite,” works to destigmatize bipolar and obsessive compulsive disorder – one episode at a time. Read more about Bamford and her new show on BP Hope.
Bruce Springsteen
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Springsteen has been fighting a battle with depression for decades; haunted by memories of a dysfunctional and abusive childhood, Springsteen turned to music in his teens to cope. With over thirty years of therapy under his belt, music continues to be an escape for Springsteen, but he also finds inspiration in sharing his message of hope with fans and the public. You can read more about Springsteen and his battle with depression here on Hope to Cope.
Richard Dreyfuss
Actor Richard Dreyfuss has battled bipolar disorder for most of his life. Medication, therapy, and a positive outlook help Dreyfuss manage his symptoms. He encourages others with bipolar disorder to look for the silver lining, and believes that despite the challenges, his disorder has actually been an asset, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Dreyfuss shares more of his story here with BP Hope.
Patrick Kennedy
Since entering treatment and recovery nearly a decade ago, Patrick Kennedy has become a staunch advocate for mental health – openly discussing his struggle with bipolar disorder, and addiction. His book, A Common Struggle, highlights his personal battles with addiction and bipolar disorder, speculates about a potential family history, and discusses the history of mental health care in America. Hear more from Kennedy on the BP Hope website.
Though there’s little we can do to alter our genetic makeup, these celebrities to continue to lead by example, bringing attention to the stigma associated with mental illness, and proving that no one need suffer quietly.
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