Mental health struggles affect everyone — from everyday people in New York to some of the most admired celebrities in the world. Over the years, many public figures have opened up about depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, addiction, and more. Their honesty helps reduce stigma and reminds us that therapy and counseling are powerful tools for healing.
At Relationships and More, we see daily how therapy changes lives. By looking at how these 20 celebrities have faced mental health issues, we can all be inspired to take steps toward greater well-being and stronger relationships.
1. Robin Williams — Depression & Substance Abuse
The legendary comedian’s tragic passing in 2014 highlighted the hidden pain many carry.
👉 Lesson: Smiles don’t always reveal struggles. Couples therapy can help partners notice and support each other through pain.
2. Selena Gomez — Anxiety, Depression & Bipolar Disorder
Through her documentary My Mind & Me, Selena has shown the value of therapy and transparency.
👉 Lesson: Diagnoses don’t define you. Individual counseling helps people create healthy coping strategies.
3. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson — Depression
Known for strength, The Rock revealed how he battled depression after career setbacks.
👉 Lesson: Vulnerability is courage, not weakness.
4. Lady Gaga — PTSD & Advocacy
After surviving trauma, Gaga uses her platform to advocate for mental health.
👉 Lesson: Trauma recovery is possible with therapy and support.
5. Prince Harry — Grief & Trauma
He openly credits therapy for helping him cope with the loss of his mother.
👉 Lesson: Even people with privilege benefit from counseling.
6. Demi Lovato — Addiction & Bipolar Disorder
Their recovery journey shows healing is nonlinear.
👉 Lesson: Setbacks are part of growth.
7. Michael Phelps — Depression & Anxiety
Despite Olympic success, Phelps battled suicidal thoughts.
👉 Lesson: External success doesn’t equal inner peace.
8. Adele — Postpartum Depression
The Grammy winner shared openly about struggling after giving birth.
👉 Lesson: Parenthood comes with emotional challenges that therapy can ease.
9. Kanye West — Bipolar Disorder
His openness (and struggles) highlight the complexity of living with bipolar disorder.
👉 Lesson: Treatment and understanding are essential for stability.
10. Britney Spears — Conservatorship & Mental Health
Her public struggles emphasized the importance of autonomy and support.
👉 Lesson: Compassion is key when discussing others’ mental health.
11. Jim Carrey — Depression
The actor has spoken about using therapy and lifestyle changes to manage his mental health.
👉 Lesson: Healing often requires multiple approaches.
12. Catherine Zeta-Jones — Bipolar II Disorder
Her honesty about bipolar disorder raised awareness about mood disorders.
👉 Lesson: Professional treatment helps balance and stability.
13. Chrissy Teigen — Postpartum Depression
She used her platform to normalize maternal mental health struggles.
👉 Lesson: Talking openly reduces stigma.
14. Mariah Carey — Bipolar II Disorder
She waited years before seeking treatment, later encouraging others not to wait.
👉 Lesson: Delaying help prolongs suffering — early therapy matters.
15. Elton John — Addiction & Bulimia
His openness about addiction recovery has inspired millions.
👉 Lesson: Recovery is possible at any stage of life.
16. Miley Cyrus — Anxiety & Sobriety Journey
She has shared how pressure, fame, and anxiety shaped her personal life.
👉 Lesson: Therapy can help build resilience against stress.
17. Ryan Reynolds — Anxiety
Despite his confident persona, Reynolds has revealed lifelong struggles with anxiety.
👉 Lesson: Anxiety affects even the most successful people.
18. Ariana Grande — PTSD After Trauma
After surviving a terrorist attack at her concert, Grande struggled with PTSD and anxiety.
👉 Lesson: Collective trauma requires individual healing support.
19. Simone Biles — Stress & Mental Health in Sports
The world-class gymnast prioritized her mental health during the Olympics, sparking global dialogue.
👉 Lesson: Prioritizing mental health is strength, not weakness.
20. Meghan Markle — Suicidal Thoughts & Advocacy
She bravely shared her struggles with suicidal thoughts during royal life.
👉 Lesson: Speaking up saves lives and helps others feel less alone.
Why These Stories Are Important
Hearing these experiences shows us that mental health doesn’t discriminate. Whether you’re in the spotlight or not, therapy can make the difference between suffering in silence and building resilience.
How Therapy Can Help You
At Relationships & More, we support clients across Westchester, White Plains, and New York City who face anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma. Through marriage counseling, couples therapy, and individual therapy, we help people rebuild connection and find peace.
Final Thoughts
Celebrities may live different lives than the rest of us, but their mental health challenges are deeply human. If stars like Robin Williams, Lady Gaga, or Michael Phelps needed support, there’s no shame in you seeking it too.
👉 Take the first step: Schedule a session with Relationships and More. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to get help.