Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of their status, wealth, or fame. Despite its widespread prevalence, depression is often misunderstood and stigmatized, which can make it difficult for individuals to seek the help they need. However, over the years, several well-known figures have been open about their struggles with depression, using their platforms to raise awareness, offer support, and inspire others who may be going through similar challenges.
In this article, we will explore the stories of famous people who have battled depression and emerged stronger, thriving both personally and professionally. Their stories serve as powerful reminders that mental health struggles do not define us and that it’s possible to overcome even the darkest of times.
1. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Dwayne Johnson, better known as “The Rock,” is a global icon, renowned for his career as a wrestler, actor, and businessman. Despite his larger-than-life persona, Johnson has been open about his struggles with depression, particularly during his younger years.
In various interviews, Johnson has discussed how his mental health took a significant hit when he was a teenager. After being cut from a football team and experiencing personal setbacks, he fell into a deep depression. He even considered suicide at one point but was ultimately pulled back by the support of his mother and the realization that he wasn’t alone in his suffering.
Today, Johnson actively advocates for mental health awareness. His candid discussions about depression have helped reduce stigma, showing that even the most successful individuals face challenges and need support. Through his charitable endeavors and motivational speeches, Johnson encourages others to seek help and not be ashamed of their struggles.
2. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga, a Grammy-winning artist and global superstar, has been one of the most vocal celebrities when it comes to mental health issues. In addition to her highly successful music career, Lady Gaga has faced depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stemming from both personal experiences and the pressures of her career.
In 2016, Lady Gaga spoke publicly about her battle with depression and her experiences with sexual assault, which she had kept private for years. She revealed that her mental health struggles led to periods of deep sadness, even when she was on the world stage. In her 2019 Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two, she opened up further, giving viewers a raw and intimate look at the toll her mental health issues had on her.
Lady Gaga has used her platform to champion mental health awareness, launching the Born This Way Foundation, which focuses on empowering youth and promoting mental wellness. By sharing her story, she has become a powerful advocate for the importance of seeking help and speaking openly about depression.
3. Robin Williams
The late Robin Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians and actors of all time. Known for his quick wit, infectious energy, and ability to make audiences laugh, Williams brought joy to millions of people around the world. However, behind his humor, Williams struggled with severe depression and addiction.
Williams spoke openly about his battle with mental illness, including his diagnosis of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. In 2014, he tragically took his own life, and it was later revealed that he had been suffering from Lewy body dementia, a neurodegenerative disease that can cause depression, confusion, and anxiety.
Williams’ death shocked the world, but it also sparked a global conversation about the hidden struggles that many people face, even those who appear to be happy and successful on the outside. His legacy continues to inspire conversations about mental health, and his story has helped countless people feel less alone in their own struggles.
4. Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington, best known for her role as Olivia Pope on the hit TV series Scandal, has been candid about her mental health journey. In interviews, she has spoken about experiencing periods of depression, particularly during times of personal and professional stress.
Washington explained that she had felt the pressure to maintain a perfect public image, which contributed to her feelings of isolation and anxiety. After seeking therapy and learning to prioritize her well-being, Washington began to open up about her experiences with depression, recognizing the importance of mental health care for everyone, regardless of status.
As an advocate for mental health, Washington uses her platform to encourage others to speak out and seek help when needed. She has also been involved in several initiatives focused on mental health awareness, aiming to reduce stigma and increase access to support.
5. Emma Stone
Academy Award-winning actress Emma Stone has been transparent about her struggle with anxiety and depression, both of which began in her childhood. Stone has shared that her battles with mental health intensified during her teenage years, with panic attacks and social anxiety affecting her ability to function in everyday life.
Despite the challenges, Stone sought therapy and worked hard to manage her mental health, eventually reaching a place where she could talk openly about her experiences. In interviews, she has spoken about how therapy, mindfulness, and staying connected with her loved ones have helped her thrive.
Stone has used her platform to advocate for mental health, speaking out about the importance of seeking help and normalizing the conversation around anxiety and depression. By sharing her own story, she has helped many people feel more comfortable addressing their mental health struggles.
6. Kristen Bell
Actress Kristen Bell, known for her roles in Veronica Mars and The Good Place, has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, particularly in relation to depression and anxiety. Bell has been open about her own struggles with depression, explaining that she began experiencing symptoms in her early twenties.
In her discussions about depression, Bell emphasizes the importance of seeking help and being proactive about mental health. She has praised therapy as an essential tool in her journey toward healing and has encouraged others to consider it as a positive, constructive means of managing mental health.
Bell’s advocacy extends beyond personal stories—she is also involved in initiatives that support mental health resources and encourage open dialogue. By using her public platform to address mental health issues, Bell has helped countless people feel less alone and more empowered to seek support.
7. Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has been a leading figure in raising awareness about mental health issues, particularly in the context of grief, trauma, and depression. After the death of his mother, Princess Diana, when he was just 12 years old, Prince Harry struggled with mental health issues for many years, including depression and anxiety.
In 2017, he revealed in an interview with The Telegraph that he had sought therapy to deal with the trauma of his mother’s death and the immense pressure of being in the royal family. Prince Harry has continued to speak openly about his mental health struggles, using his public profile to highlight the importance of seeking help and addressing emotional well-being.
Along with his wife, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry co-founded the Invictus Games and the Archewell Foundation, both of which include initiatives focused on mental health. By sharing his journey, Prince Harry has become a powerful voice for mental health advocacy and has inspired many others to open up about their own struggles.
8. Selena Gomez
Singer and actress Selena Gomez has been very open about her mental health challenges, including her experiences with depression and anxiety. Gomez’s struggles began in her late teens, a time when she faced intense pressure from the public and the media. In addition to her mental health issues, Gomez also faced physical health challenges, including a kidney transplant, which exacerbated her emotional state.
In 2016, Gomez took a break from her career to focus on her mental health, including seeking therapy and taking time to reconnect with herself. She has since used her platform to raise awareness about mental health and to break the stigma surrounding seeking help. Through her social media and advocacy work, Gomez has inspired her followers to prioritize their mental health and seek support when needed.
In 2020, Gomez launched Rare Impact Fund, which supports mental health programs for young people, further cementing her commitment to mental health advocacy.
9. Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder, known for her roles in Stranger Things and Beetlejuice, has had a successful career in Hollywood. However, she has also faced significant struggles with mental health, particularly during her rise to fame in the 1990s. Ryder has been open about her experiences with depression, especially during times of intense pressure and scrutiny from the media.
Throughout her career, Ryder has spoken out about the importance of addressing mental health issues in a proactive way. She has sought therapy and focused on maintaining her mental well-being, even during challenging periods in her personal life.
Ryder’s honesty about her struggles with depression has made her a relatable figure for many people, especially those dealing with the pressures of fame and public scrutiny. Her advocacy for mental health and her commitment to breaking the stigma have had a positive impact on her fans and the broader public.
10. Jon Hamm
Jon Hamm, best known for his role as Don Draper on Mad Men, has been candid about his experience with depression, particularly following the end of his long-running TV show. After Mad Men concluded, Hamm entered a period of deep depression, dealing with feelings of uncertainty and loss.
In interviews, Hamm has shared how his depression impacted both his career and personal life. However, he has also been vocal about seeking help through therapy and other treatments, which allowed him to regain control of his mental health. Hamm’s openness about his battle with depression has helped normalize conversations around mental health, especially for men, who often face stigma when addressing their emotional well-being.
Through his advocacy, Hamm continues to encourage others to reach out for support and take mental health seriously.