Edited by Adedeji Oluwafemi
Introduction
According to the CDC, 25% of U.S. population is battling a mental illness. Celebrities, as superhuman as they might seem, are also part of this percentage of the population. In fact, they are more susceptible to developing these illnesses. From the incessant paparazzi innterruptions in their lives to the easy access they might have to drugs and alcohol, it’s easy for them to slip into a battle for their sanity.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing why mental health issues seem so rampant among celeberitites. we’ll also highlight some celebrities that have opened up to battling mental health issues in the past.
What is mental health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and societal well-being. It has an impact on how we feel, think, and behave. It also aids in decision-making, interpersonal relationships, and tension management. At every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood, mental wellness is crucial.
What is mental health illness?
Mental illnesses or disorders are conditions that affect our thoughts, emotions, mood, and behaviour. They could be transient or persistent. (chronic). our capacity to get along with people and carry out daily tasks may be impacted.
Types Of Mental Illness
There are various types of mental disorders. The common ones include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Psychotic disorders
What Causes Mental Illness?
Mental illness is not caused by a single factor. Many factors can contribute to the cause of mental illness, which includes:
- Family history and genes
- Your life experiences, like stress or a history of abuse
- Biological factors, like chemical imbalances in the brain
- A traumatic brain injury
- A mother’s exposure to viruses or toxic chemicals while she was pregnant
- Use of alcohol or recreational drugs
- Having a serious medical condition like cancer
- Having a life experience that makes you feel isolated or lonely.
- Keeping few friends
Symptoms Of Mental Illness
According to research by Mayo clinic, the signs and symptoms of mental illness differ, depending on the disorder, situations, and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Signs and symptoms of mental illness include:
- Feeling sad or down
- Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
- Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
- Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Significant tiredness, low energy, or problems sleeping
- Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia, or hallucinations
- Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
- Trouble understanding and relating to situations and people
- Problems with alcohol or drug use
- Major changes in eating habits
- Sex drive changes
- Excessive anger, hostility, or violence
- Suicidal thinking
Prevention Of Mental Illness
In research by the Mayo clinic, there’s no certain way to prevent mental illness. However, a person with mental illness should take steps to control stress, increase resilience and boost low self-esteem by following these steps:
- Pay attention to warnings
- Get routine medical care
- Getting help when needed
- Taking good care of yourself
Why Is Mental Illness Common Among Celebrities
There are a numerous of reasons why mental illness is common among celebrities. some of them include:
- The stress of being in the public eye can trigger or worsen mental health problems.
- The pressure to maintain a certain appearance and lifestyle can be very damaging to mental health.
- Celebrities often have access to drugs and alcohol which can lead to substance abuse and addiction, both of which can contribute to mental illness.
- Celebrities often live very isolated lives, which can exacerbate mental health problems.
5 Famous Celebrities Struggling Mental Health Issues
Many celebrities have made it open they struggle with mental health issues, however, this article picked five celebrities who have opened up that they struggled with mental health issues.
1. Chrissy Teigen with postpartum depression
The wife of a successful model, TV host, and multi-platinum recording artist John Legend, Utah native Teigen went public in a candid essay published in the April 2017 issue of Glamor Magazine. “I had everything I needed to be happy,” she wrote. What everyone knew by December was this:
I have postpartum depression,” Teigen finished her essay, explaining why she decided to speak up now. “I want everyone to know what can happen, and I don’t want them to feel embarrassed or alone,” she said.
2. Demi Lovato with bipolar disorder
Lovato, age 24, has been a socialite and performer from an early age. When she was 18, she opened up about her medical history of bullying, addiction, eating disorders, circumcision, and depression. In a television interview, Lovato explained that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder while she was in treatment for addiction and eating disorders. During this time, Lovato learned her coping skills and adopted methods of controlling and understanding her own emotions. “For the first time in my life, I started to feel,” she said. Lovato is now a celebrity spokesperson for Be Vocal.
Speak up for mental health campaigns.
3. Steve Young with social anxiety disorder
Steve Young belongs to the NFL Hall of Famer and BYU alumnus. He had a seemingly perfect life. However, his new book titled My Life Behind The Spiral reveals that young has struggled with an anxiety disorder most of his life. “Underlying his desperation to make a difference,” he said in a television interview.
4. Donny Osmond with social anxiety disorder
Another local celebrity who suffers from a social anxiety disorder, Donnie Osmond, has battled social anxiety while performing since childhood. In 1994 Andrew realized he needed help when he starred in Lloyd He’s Webber’s Joseph and Amazing His Technicolor His Dreamcoat. Osmond has been an honorary member of the American Anxiety and Depression Association since 2004. “I want people to know that they are not alone and that help is available.
5. Dan Reynolds-clinical depression
Dan Reynolds may be living the dream as a member of the chart-topping band Imagine Dragons, but despite the commercial success and a challenging music career, Reynolds has described himself as “hellish.” I am depressed,” he said. Since 2012, Reynolds has been honest about his battle with depression. “It’s scary when you’ve got everything you wanted, but you still feel empty because at that point you’re like, ‘Oh if this doesn’t make it all right, I don’t know where to look.’ Because I think.” already. ‘His new role as husband and father has motivated him to make positive changes. “He felt he needed to re-evaluate his life and appreciate it more deeply.”
Conclusion
Mental health issues are common among celebrities, however, many of them are coming out to encourage people with their stories. If are you struggling with any mental health issues, it’s not the end of the world. Seek professional help and don’t give up on yourself.
Take a step today by reaching out to the world, you can see from the article that mental issues are not just for the poor, it’s also common among celebrities, so don’t give up, get medications, and don’t live a rejected life.
People with mental health issues can still live long with the right mindset, so if you have anyone around you with any mental health issue, encourage them and refer them to experts for proper treatment.
