Talking openly about having a mental illness is still very difficult. Coming forward takes courage as the stigma and discrimination surrounding these conditions remains widespread.
When a high-profile public figure or celebrity speaks up about their mental health struggles and encourages mental health treatment, it can raise awareness on a wider scale and send the message that it’s okay to ask for help.
There are a growing number of well-known individuals who have become outspoken advocates to promote mental health in many creative ways. Here’s a brief list of some of these individuals to recognize and applaud their efforts and to review some of their very worthwhile projects and resources.
Simone Biles is often considered the greatest gymnast of all time. She stunned the world when she withdrew from the team gymnastics competition at the Tokyo Olympics in order to focus on her mental health, stating she was not in the right state of mind to safely continue in the competition. Biles ultimately returned to the games and won an individual and a team medal. She now regularly discusses the importance of prioritizing one’s mental health and serves as a sponsor for a mental health company.
Patty Duke was known as an Oscar-winning actress, but she became one of the first celebrities to talk about her struggles with mental illness (bipolar disorder) in her 1987 book Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic-Depressive Illness. She became an ardent mental health advocate, and worked with various organizations to increase awareness, funding and research on mental illnesses. Although Duke died in 2016, her son, actor Sean Astin, has started a fundraiser to create the Patty Duke Mental Health Initiative to carry on his mother’s efforts.
Lady Gaga is a Grammy and Oscar-winning singer who has spoken about being a victim of sexual assault and how she has dealt with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). She established the Born This Way Foundation along with her mother Cynthia Germanotta in 2012 to support mental and emotional wellness among young people. Among its many initiatives was a recent effort to broaden the scope of the Teen Mental Health First Aid program throughout the US.
Demi Lovato is an actress and singer who has had ongoing personal challenges with addiction, depression, bipolar disorder and eating disorder. She has lent her support for “Speak Up: Be Vocal About Mental Health,” an initiative so-sponsored by several leading mental health organizations to empower people to speak up for better mental health. Lovato produced the site’s documentary “Beyond Silence” and discusses her own struggles in the YouTube documentary “Simply Complicated.”
Patrick Kennedy is a former US Congressman (D-RI) and son of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy. He has shared his history of mental health issues in his memoir, “A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction.” In 2013, Kennedy founded The Kennedy Forum to lead a national dialogue to transform the health care system and to advance evidence-based practices and policies for the treatment of mental illness and addiction.
William and Kate are also known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. They have spearheaded Heads Together, a mental health initiative in the UK which campaigns to reduce stigma and raises fund to support innovative new mental health services. William is featured in a recent BBC documentary, “Football, Prince William, and Our Mental Health,” in which he discusses the impact of losing his mother Princess Diana; he encourages others to come forward when they need help for their mental health.
Glenn Close is an award-winning actress whose sister Jessie has bipolar disorder. The sisters, along with advocate Calen Pick, founded Bring Change to Mind to end stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness through multimedia campaigns, storytelling and youth programs. In 2016, Glenn and Jessie, along with writer Pete Earley penned the book “Resilience: Two Sisters and a Story of Mental Illness,” which recounts several vignettes reflecting the impact of mental illness on their family.
Howie Mandel is a comedian and game show host who has spoken openly about his OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder). He has done public service announcements for the Anxiety and Depression Association of American (ADAA) and has campaigned for Canada’s “Bell – Let’s Talk” fundraisers to promote mental health programs. Mandel wrote about his OCD in the humorous memoir, “Here’s the Deal: Don’t Touch Me.”
Brittany Snow is an actress who has shared her battles with anorexia , depression and self-harm. She co-founded the Love is Louder movement in 2010 with MTV and The Jed Foundation in response to teen suicides driven by anti-gay bullying. The organization strives to address issues including bullying, body image, discrimination, and depression. Snow received the Special Recognition Voice Award from SAMHSA in 2015 for these efforts.
Billie Eilish is a pop star and songwriter who has spoken candidly about her difficult struggle with Tourette syndrome, body dysmorphic disorder, depression and suicidal thoughts. She is featured in a public service announcement for “Seize the Awkward,” which encourages people to check in with their friends and open a line of communication when you are concerned about their mental health.
Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympic athlete in history. He has been open and vulnerable in talking about his history of substance misuse and depression. The recent documentary, “The Weight of Gold,” which Phelps produced, delves into the many mental health challenges which Olympic athletes face.
Here’s a question: What other public figures are helping to send the message that it’s okay to get help for mental health issues? Please leave a comment. Also, please subscribe to my blog and feel free to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, “like” my Facebook page, or connect on LinkedIn. Finally, if you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend.