What Famous People With Depression Have Said About The Condition
Depression affects people of all levels of socioeconomic class, race, gender, and background. Celebrities are no different: some famous people have struggled with depression over the years, and many have been open about their experiences.
Some have used their public platform to educate and bring attention to the importance of mental health and wellness. Raising awareness about the stigma, symptoms, and available treatments of depression may help others living with the condition to seek treatment and find comfort in knowing they are not alone.
From actors, musicians, and celebrities, here are some notable quotes from those who have spoken about this condition.
Pink
Pink has been honest about seeing a therapist since she was 22. As an advocate for mental health, she states, “I believe in self-confrontation and just getting things out. What I love about therapy is that they’ll tell you what your blind spots are. Although that’s uncomfortable and painful, it gives you something to work with.”
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande opened up about depression on Instagram by expressing a quote. She said, “Depression is your body saying, ‘I don’t want to be this character anymore. I don’t want to hold up this avatar that you’ve created in the world. It’s too much for me.”
Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder stated the following about her experience with depression: "You can't pay enough money to cure that feeling of being broken and confused. It's not like every day's been great ever since. You have good days and bad days, and depression's something that, y'know, is always with you."
Glenn Close
Glenn Close has stated that she was diagnosed with depression in 2008. About the illness, she says, “I felt this inertia that would come over me … You think of something, and it just seems too much, too hard. That’s how it manifested in me.”
Halle Berry
"I was sitting in my car, and I knew the gas was coming when I had an image of my mother finding me. She sacrificed so much for her children, and to end my life* would be an incredibly selfish thing to do. My sense of worth was so low. I had to reprogram myself to see the good in me. Because someone didn't love me didn't mean I was unlovable. That's what the break-up of my marriage reduced me to. It took away my self-esteem. It beat me down to the lowest of lows."
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga described how debilitating depression can be when she wrote, "I was angry, cynical and had this deep sadness like an anchor dragging everywhere I go. I just didn't feel like fighting anymore. I didn't feel like standing up for myself one more time - to one more person who lied to me. I felt like I was dying - my light completely out."
Adele
Adele has also been open about her struggles with depression. She states, “I’m very available to depression. I can slip in and out of it quite easily. It started when my granddad died, when I was about ten, and while I never had a suicidal thought, I have been in therapy, lots.” She also went on to struggle with post-partum depression after the birth of her son, which was frightening to her. However, she found support in talking to other parents about their experiences.
Kristen Bell
Kristen Bell had much to say about depression: "For me, depression is not sadness. It’s not having a bad day and needing a hug. It gave me a complete and utter sense of isolation and loneliness. Its debilitation was all-consuming, and it shut down my mental circuit board. I felt worthless, like I had nothing to offer, like I was a failure. Now, after seeking help, I can see that those thoughts, of course, couldn’t have been more wrong.”
Anyone can experience symptoms of depression
Get support for depression symptoms in therapy
If you are concerned about depression symptoms, connecting with an online therapist may be beneficial. Research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as traditional in-person counseling for treating symptoms of depression and anxiety. Online therapy can be a convenient way to get the help you need without leaving home. You can connect with your therapist virtually to discuss your concerns and get the support you need.
Takeaway
Who is the most famous depressed person?
There are many famous people who have discussed their experience with depression, including:
- Michelle Obama: The former First Lady of the United States said that she experienced “low-grade depression” (also called persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia) as a result fo racial injustice and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Abraham Lincoln: Former U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, battled depression at a young age and off-and-on for his entire life.
- Winston Churchill: Winston Churchill, once Prime Minister of Great Britain, experienced mental health issues, or so-called “Black Dog,” which may reference major depressive episodes. However, the depths of his struggles are disputed.
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: In multiple interviews, Johnson said that he’s experienced three bouts of deep depression throughout his whole life, starting at a young age. Since then, he’s learned that, “asking for help is not a weakness.”
- Gwenyth Paltrow: Academy award winning actress and entrepreneur, Gwyneth Paltrow, says that she experienced postpartum depression after the birth of her second child. She stated that postpartum depression made her feel “like a zombie.”
- Lady Gaga: The famous singer and actress acknowledged experiencing major depression in an interview with CBS, frequently considering a suicide attempt.
Whether famous or not, many people experience mental illnesses at some point. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), depression is the most common mental health condition in the U.S., with 14.8 million U.S. adults having at least one episode of major depressive disorder in 2020. World Suicide Prevention Day occurs in September, and is a good opportunity to learn about suicide prevention resources, warning signs, and how to support loved ones at risk.
What Hollywood stars are on antidepressants?
Many celebrities are choosing to open up about their mental health challenges, presenting themselves as human beings with real struggles. In doing so, celebrities may help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Here are a few Hollywood stars who have decided to talk about their experiences with antidepressants:
- Ben Affleck: A Grammy-winning actor, Affleck has dealt with chronic depression and substance abuse in his personal life. In a Good Morning America interview, Affleck stated, “I get depressed. I take antidepressants. They're very helpful for me. I’ve taken them since I was 26 years old, various different kinds, I’ve switched and tried this and tried that.”
- Carrie Ann Inaba: The dancer from “Dancing with the Stars,” who can be seen smiling in Getty Images, is open about depression and her experience with finding the right antidepressant, which took some trial and error.
- Kristen Bell: Bell, a famous actor, has been taking antidepressants since she was a teenager. In an episode of The Off Camera Show, she explains, “If you do decide to go on a prescription to help yourself, understand that the world wants to shame you for that, but in the medical community, you would never deny a diabetic his insulin. Ever [...] It’s a very interesting double standard.”
Many people take medications to help manage or treat mental disorders. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around one in 10 Americans over the age of 12 take antidepressants.
What geniuses had depression?
Creativity and mental disorders appear to be linked. As stated by Aristoteles, “There is no genius without having a touch of madness.” The following are famous geniuses who experienced depression:
- Sir Isaac Newton: The mathematician and physicist, or “natural philosopher,” exhibited symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia-like psychosis.
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Beethoven, a classical composer from the 19th century, experienced episodes of depression and suicidal thoughts. He also experienced elated (manic) moods, which may have indicated the presence of bipolar disorder.
- Steve Jobs: Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., experienced periods of depression that he detailed in his biography, Becoming Steve Jobs.
Where is the worst depression in the world?
According to a study at the University of Queensland, the Middle East and Northern Africa have the highest rates of depression around the world.
Are there successful people with depression?
Many successful people have experienced depression, including Dwayne Johnson, Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, Abraham Lincoln, Kerry Washington, Demi Lovato, Brook Shields, Michael Phelps, and Mathew Perry. According to some studies, a high proportion of successful people have depression or other mental health challenges. This is particularly common amongst entrepreneurs, athletes, and CEOs, which may be attributable to long work hours, competition, dichotomous thinking, and pressure to succeed.
Has anyone ever gotten over depression?
There is no one-size-fits all when it comes to depression. For some, depression is lifelong, whereas others may experience temporary depression or bouts that come and go. While depression cannot be “cured,” there are many treatment options that can help manage symptoms.
Most people experience improvements in their symptoms with a combination of self-care, lifestyle changes, talk therapy, support groups, and/or medications.
Who was depressed in the Bible?
Multiple characters in the Bible are thought to have experienced episodes of depression, including Jesus, Abraham, Job, Jonah, Jeremiah, David, Moses, Judas, and Elijah.
What is the world's no 1 antidepressant?
The most commonly prescribed antidepressant is Sertraline (SSRI), followed by Escitalopram (SSRI), Trazodone, (SARI) Fluoxetine (SSRI), and Bupropion (NDRI). According to 2022 information from Definitive Healthcare, Sertraline accounts for 13.1% of mental health prescriptions.
What race takes the most antidepressants?
According to findings from the 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, antidepressant use was highest amongst non-Hispanic White adults (16.6%), followed by non-Hispanic Black Adults (7.8%), Hispanic adults (6.5%), and non-Hispanic Asian adults (2.8%).
For more information on depression, see the following resource from the National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression.
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