Conversations surrounding the importance of mental health have slowly crept into the spotlight in recent years. Part of this is due to a better understanding of what mental health exactly is, and part of this is because more and more people are opening up about their personal experiences with mental health.
That includes some of our most prominent celebrities, who are using their platforms to do more than promote their selfies. Whether it’s brought up on social media or in an interview, here’s 10 celebrities who are finding their own ways to elevate the mental health conversation.
Billie Eilish
“Kids use my songs as a hug. Songs about being depressed or suicidal or completely just against yourself — some adults think that’s bad, but I feel that seeing that someone else feels just as horrible as you do is a comfort. It’s a good feeling.”
Eilish is known by most of the world for her exciting and catchy pop songs, but her fans know her for her honest and raw conversations about her struggles with her mental health. From body dysmorphia to depression to even Tourette syndrome, Eilish doesn’t shy away from the fact that life isn’t always picture perfect.
Kristen Bell
“I’m not embarrassed about any of the time I need to take to help myself, because that’s making me a better me.”
The Nobody Wants This star is known for her optimistic and positive attitude, but Bell admits that it isn’t always rainbows and sunshine. She regularly speaks out about her battle with anxiety and depression, encouraging fans to learn from her own life and do mental health check-ins regularly.
Jelly Roll
“The truth is I struggle with severe depression — I’ve struggled with it my whole life… I’ve always been afraid to make this post because frankly I’m slightly embarrassed and sadly we live in a world where when people bring up mental health issues we are immediately judged one way or the other… I feel the need to be honest, and also it’s my public vow to start being more transparent and hope that maybe you all will help me stay accountable at seeking help and fighting this demon.”
Jason DeFord, better known by his artist name Jelly Roll, has exploded on the music scene over the last year, an for good reason. The rapper-turned-country artists has released multiple hit songs about his honest struggles with addiction, mental health and the impact its had on his life and relationships. Outside of singing about his “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” he’s opened up on social media about his battle with depression in order to help others who are struggling. And earlier this year, he announced he would be opening a 100-acre rehabilitation center — completely free to those in need.
Kerry Washington
“The first thing that put me on my knees, the first time that I actually got on my knees and prayed to some power greater than myself to say, ‘I can’t do this, I need some help’ was with my eating disorder.”
In her memoir, Thicker Than Water, actress Kerry Washington opened up for the first time about her battle with eating disorders and suicidal ideation. Speaking on Good Morning America with Robin Roberts, Washington revealed that she turned to God to help her find a way out of her struggle
The Weeknd
“My anxiety is a constant battle, and I feel like it never goes away. I’m learning to control it, but I’ve already realized that it’s part of my life. I can’t escape it. I think about giving up every day. But I also find purpose every day. My relationship with God is stronger than ever. I find comfort in His presence when I need it most. I talk to Him constantly. It’s been a long journey, but I’m here.”
Earlier this year, The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye) opened up about something deeper than fame — the ongoing fight to understand himself. After years of hiding behind an alter ego, Tesfaye spoke candidly about his struggle with anxiety and the toll that persona took on his sense of identity. Now, he credits his relationship with God for helping him find clarity and meaning again. It’s a quieter, more grounded chapter for one of pop’s most elusive artists, and one that proves vulnerability can be its own kind of power.
Lauren Daigle
“I want to be someone who is known as helping eradicate loneliness. Because I remember, before I was ever doing music, being in high school, being in junior high, I would look for the lonely person in the room. For whatever reason, God highlighted loneliness to me.”
Lauren Daigle has built a career on connection — both spiritual and emotional. Beneath her powerhouse vocals is a quiet mission: to make people feel seen. Long before she was winning Grammys, Daigle was drawn to those who felt left out, and that empathy still fuels her work today. In a world that’s more isolated than ever, she’s using her platform to remind people that loneliness isn’t permanent — and compassion is one of the best medicines we have.
Jim Carrey
“Every trauma — and I could build a ladder to the stars with the things that have happened or the things that I’ve had to endure — but they’ve all turned into something really creative,” he said. “The worst injury I’ve ever had, I went to the art studio and I made a painting. I wish people could be here to see what that process is, what happens to an artist when they get hurt. They don’t try to lash out most of the time. They try to turn it into a bouquet of flowers. That’s what I want to do.”
Carrey has long been open about his battles with depression and how art has become a form of therapy. The actor, who once dominated comedy with his boundless energy, has shifted in recent years toward introspection and creativity as a means of healing. Through painting and spirituality, Carrey has redefined what it means to process pain — turning suffering into beauty and self-expression. His vulnerability has made him a quiet but powerful advocate for using creativity as a path toward emotional and mental restoration.
Adele
“In my pregnancy and through becoming a mother, I lost a lot of myself, and I’ve struggled. I still do struggle being a mom — it’s really hard.”
Adele has shared that she wasn’t prepared to work through her postpartum depression after giving birth to her son in 2012. In a speech at the 2017 Grammys, the British singer admitted that she had “lost a bit of herself” after giving birth and it took a while to get back. She’s since discussed about he anxiety and stress of motherhood, something all parents can find a way to relate to.
Selena Gomez
“My self-esteem was shot. I was depressed, anxious. I started to have panic attacks right before getting on stage, or right after leaving the stage.”
The singer/actress/entrepreneur is no stranger to stress. After years of struggling with anxiety and depression, Gomez opened up about her battles, including how quitting social media helps alleviate her stress. Last year, Gomez launched Wondermind, an online therapy resource to help others get the information and tools they need. And in November, she released a documentary all about her mental health journey on Apple TV+, Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
“I reached a point where I didn’t want to do a thing or go anywhere. I was crying constantly.”
There’s no doubt that Johnson has spent some time working on his physical health, but in 2018, the wrestler-turned-actor shared that he’s put a lot of work into his mental health, too. Johnson shared that he’s battled with depression for years and he’s worked with his mother, who also struggles with depression, to get the help he needs.
