Mental health is on everyone’s minds these days, including celebrities.
Over the last several years, the importance of mental health has taken center stage, for a few reasons. 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 use their platforms to do more than promote their selfies or latest creative projects. Whether it’s brought up on social media or in an interview, here are four celebrities who are finding unique ways to elevate the mental health conversation.
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 also felt like those that listen to the music know how deep my sadness runs in my soul and my struggles. Though I smile , joke and laugh a lot deep rooted in my is an unexplainable pain. I think the reason I decided to finally post this is because 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 his music, 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 spoke to Congress about the need to pass an anti-fentanyl bill, opening up about how his addiction nearly destroyed his life and his family’s.
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. Recently, Gomez launched Wondermind, an online therapy resource to help others get the information and tools they need. And in 2022, she released a documentary all about her mental health journey on Apple TV+, Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me.
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.
Dax Shepherd
“The other thing I think that happened in my life which is significant is that I joined a 12-step program 18 years ago to get sober. I got a ton of practice talking about my shortcomings, my failures, my fears. It’s a unique experience because it was met always with understanding, no judgment, compassion, [and] unity. I don’t know how you could get those hours of practice without that.”
Along with his wife Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard has been a long-time vocal advocate for mental health, and uses his podcast “The Armchair Expert” to dive deeper into issues people face in their daily life. The actor has been open about his struggles with alcohol addiction, even being vulnerable about enrolling in a substance abuse program and navigating a recent relapse.
