Hollywood Actresses Who Had Mental Health Problems

The glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry often conceal the personal struggles that many performers face behind closed doors. High-pressure environments and intense public scrutiny can exacerbate or trigger underlying mental health issues for even the most successful stars. Many Hollywood actresses have bravely stepped forward to share their diagnoses and advocate for better mental health awareness. Their transparency has helped destigmatize conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder. This list highlights the women who have openly discussed their battles and their journeys toward recovery.

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher became one of the most vocal advocates for mental health after her diagnosis with bipolar disorder. She frequently used humor to discuss her struggles and treatments in her books and stage performances. The actress famously noted that she felt like a frantic mood was her normal state until she received professional help. Her openness helped destigmatize the condition for millions of fans around the world. Fisher proved that living with a mental illness does not preclude someone from achieving massive professional success.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones checked herself into a mental health facility to seek treatment for Bipolar II disorder. The diagnosis came during a stressful period involving her husband’s battle with throat cancer. She publicly addressed her condition to show others that there is no shame in seeking help. Zeta-Jones emphasized that the disorder is manageable with the right medication and therapy. Her candor encouraged many people to pay closer attention to their own emotional well-being.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder faced a highly publicized battle with anxiety and depression following her rapid rise to fame in the early nineties. The pressure of the industry led to severe insomnia and a brief hospitalization for exhaustion. She eventually took a significant hiatus from Hollywood to focus on her personal recovery and well-being. Ryder returned to the screen with a healthier perspective on fame and self-care. She now speaks about the importance of taking breaks when mental health is at risk.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone has dealt with panic attacks and anxiety since she was a young child. The actress found that performing in youth theater productions helped her channel her nervous energy into something creative. She continues to use therapy and meditation to manage her condition while maintaining a busy shooting schedule. Stone has spoken candidly about how her anxiety acts as a superstition that she must manage constantly. Her vulnerability has shown that even Academy Award winners struggle with internal battles.

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried has been taking medication for obsessive-compulsive disorder for many years. She openly discusses her use of Lexapro and argues that mental health should be treated with the same seriousness as physical health. The actress experiences anxiety related to her health and safety that she manages through treatment. She purchased a farm in upstate New York to have a peaceful retreat from the chaos of Hollywood. Seyfried believes that the stigma surrounding psychiatric medication needs to disappear.

Kristen Bell

Kristen Bell is a staunch advocate for breaking the silence around depression and anxiety. She has detailed her struggles with codependency and the need to be liked by everyone. The actress takes medication and attends therapy to maintain her mental balance. She often uses social media to share honest updates about her mental state with her followers. Bell emphasizes that mental health checks should be as routine as going to the dentist.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore experienced a turbulent childhood that included institutionalization for drug addiction and mental health issues at a young age. She has spoken about her struggle with postpartum depression after the birth of her second child. The actress described the experience as feeling like she was living under a heavy cloud. She eventually sought professional help to navigate the difficult transition into motherhood. Barrymore now uses her platform to discuss emotional wellness and resilience.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie has discussed the dark periods in her youth that involved depression and self-harm. The actress stated that she often felt a sense of emptiness despite her rising success. Humanitarian work eventually provided her with a sense of purpose that helped alleviate her internal struggles. She also faced significant emotional trauma after the death of her mother and her preventive surgeries. Jolie remains open about the importance of mental healthcare for trauma survivors.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry faced severe depression and suicidal thoughts following the end of her first marriage. She has described sitting in her car and contemplating ending her life before thinking of her mother. The actress sought therapy to rebuild her self-esteem and navigate the emotional pain. She credits professional counseling with helping her understand her worth independent of her relationships. Berry now advocates for women to prioritize their mental health during personal crises.

Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields was one of the first major celebrities to write a book about postpartum depression. Her memoir sparked a national conversation about the chemical imbalances that can occur after childbirth. She faced public criticism from some peers but stood firm in her advocacy for medical intervention. The actress required medication and therapy to bond with her child and recover her happiness. Her bravery paved the way for many other mothers to seek help without shame.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow experienced intense postpartum depression after the birth of her son Moses. She described feeling like a zombie and being unable to access her emotions. The experience was confusing for her because she had not experienced it with her first child. She utilized therapy and exercise to slowly regain her mental balance. Paltrow has since used her lifestyle brand to discuss various holistic and medical approaches to mental wellness.

Hayden Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere sought inpatient treatment for postpartum depression while filming the series ‘Nashville’. The actress noted that her character in the show was going through a similar struggle which made the experience even more intense. She took time away from her career to focus entirely on her recovery and relationship with her daughter. Panettiere has been praised for showing that even young and successful mothers can struggle. She continues to speak about the importance of support systems for new parents.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez has been transparent about her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and lupus-related anxiety. The actress released a documentary detailing her journey through a psychotic break and her subsequent recovery. She founded a cosmetics company that dedicates a portion of its funds to mental health services. Gomez frequently takes breaks from social media to protect her peace of mind. Her advocacy focuses on providing resources to underserved communities.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato has faced highly publicized battles with bipolar disorder and eating disorders. The singer and actress survived a near-fatal overdose that she attributes to untreated mental health struggles. She has released multiple documentaries exploring the root causes of her trauma and addiction. Lovato utilizes therapy and a spiritual practice to maintain her sobriety and stability. She remains one of the most outspoken figures regarding mental health in the music and film industry.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga suffers from PTSD resulting from a sexual assault she experienced as a teenager. The performer has explained how her mental health issues manifest physically through chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. She engages in dialectical behavior therapy and takes medication to manage her symptoms. Gaga co-founded the Born This Way Foundation to support youth wellness and empowerment. She emphasizes kindness as a crucial tool for mental health support.

Sarah Silverman

Sarah Silverman has battled depression since she was a teenager and often discusses it in her comedy. She takes medication to manage the chemical imbalance that causes her depressive episodes. The comedian has described the feeling as a despair that makes it difficult to function. She advocates for therapy and believes in being open about the dark times to help others feel less alone. Silverman proves that people who make others laugh can still struggle internally.

Lena Dunham

Lena Dunham has struggled with obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety since she was a child. The creator of ‘Girls’ has documented her reliance on medication and therapy to function in a high-stress industry. She often writes about the physical toll that mental illness takes on her body. Dunham is vocal about the need to destigmatize the use of psychiatric drugs. She uses her writing to explore the complexities of living with a neurodivergent brain.

Olivia Munn

Olivia Munn has opened up about her struggle with trichotillomania which is an impulse control disorder. The actress pulls out her eyelashes when she is suffering from high levels of anxiety. She uses hypnotherapy and regular exercise to manage the compulsion. Munn has spoken about the challenge of being on camera while dealing with visible symptoms of her disorder. She aims to help others understand that anxiety manifests in many different physical ways.

Kim Basinger

Kim Basinger developed agoraphobia and severe anxiety that impacted her ability to leave her house. The Oscar-winning actress detailed her panic attacks in a documentary about the condition. She had to relearn how to drive and function in public spaces after years of isolation. Basinger credits her therapy and the need to care for her daughter as her motivation to heal. She continues to manage her anxiety while working in the public eye.

Linda Hamilton

Linda Hamilton was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after years of erratic behavior and failed marriages. The ‘Terminator’ star described experiencing extreme highs and raging lows that destroyed her personal life. She eventually found stability through a combination of medication and a quiet lifestyle. Hamilton admitted that she initially resisted treatment because she thought it would diminish her talent. She now advocates for early intervention for those with mood disorders.

Rene Russo

Rene Russo revealed that she has been taking medication for bipolar disorder since her childhood. The actress made the admission during a television interview to encourage others to seek help. She described her experience as hitting a wall where she could no longer cope without medical assistance. Russo emphasizes that medication is a vital tool for those with chemical imbalances. Her confession surprised many due to her calm public persona.

Ashley Judd

Ashley Judd entered a treatment center to deal with depression and unresolved childhood trauma. The actress described her emotional state as suffering from a codependence that left her exhausted. She utilized intense therapy to address the grief and abandonment issues she carried for years. Judd has since become a humanitarian who focuses on the mental health of women in conflict zones. She credits her time in treatment with saving her life.

Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner struggled with depression and body dysmorphia while filming ‘Game of Thrones’. The scrutiny from social media regarding her weight and acting abilities took a severe toll on her self-esteem. She credits therapy and medication with helping her love herself again. The actress now refuses to work on sets that do not prioritize the mental well-being of the cast and crew. Turner is an advocate for taking breaks from the public eye.

Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson has been in therapy for depression and anxiety since she was a teenager. The actress notes that her anxiety often spikes when she is auditioning or preparing for a new role. She utilizes meditation and therapy to keep her grounded during production. Johnson has spoken about the importance of understanding the root causes of emotional pain. She believes that feeling emotions deeply is a strength rather than a weakness.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood checked herself into a psychiatric hospital after a suicide attempt in her early twenties. The actress suffers from PTSD stemming from domestic violence and sexual assault. She has since lobbied the government to create a bill of rights for sexual assault survivors. Wood uses her art and activism to process her trauma and help others. She emphasizes that healing is a non-linear process that takes a lifetime.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union was diagnosed with PTSD after being a victim of armed robbery and sexual assault at her workplace. The actress has spent decades in therapy processing the trauma and its effects on her daily life. She speaks openly about the hyper-vigilance she feels in public spaces. Union advocates for therapy specifically tailored to the needs of black women. She encourages survivors to define their own healing journey.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson experiences anxiety and depression and has founded a foundation to address mental health in the African American community. The actress realized she needed help when she began having uncontrollable mood swings. She emphasizes the importance of finding a culturally competent therapist. Henson launched a program to provide free therapy sessions to those unable to afford it. She wants to break the cycle of suffering in silence within her community.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis has spoken about the trauma of growing up in abject poverty and the imposter syndrome that followed her success. The actress sought therapy to deal with the emotional scars left by her difficult childhood. She describes the process of healing as peeling back layers of an onion. Davis believes that acknowledging pain is the first step toward power. She uses her memoir to inspire others to confront their pasts.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe suffered from severe depression and anxiety throughout her career in the studio system. The iconic actress was frequently hospitalized for psychiatric care and struggled with substance abuse. Her journals reveal a woman who was deeply intelligent but tormented by her past and the pressures of fame. Monroe relied on various psychiatrists who often employed controversial treatments of the time. Her tragic death remains a cautionary tale about the neglect of mental health in Hollywood.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland was placed on a regimen of uppers and downers by studio executives from a very young age. This abuse led to lifelong struggles with addiction, insomnia, and severe depression. The legendary performer attempted suicide multiple times while maintaining a grueling work schedule. Her mental health struggles were often mocked or ignored by the industry that profited from her talent. Garland’s life highlights the destructive nature of the old Hollywood studio system.

Vivien Leigh

Vivien Leigh battled undiagnosed bipolar disorder during the height of her fame. The ‘Gone with the Wind’ star earned a reputation for being difficult on set due to her manic and depressive episodes. She underwent electroshock therapy which was a common but harsh treatment at the time. Leigh struggled to maintain her career and marriage while fighting a condition she did not understand. Her legacy includes her immense talent and her tragic battle with mental illness.

Margot Kidder

Margot Kidder suffered a highly public manic episode in the nineties that left her homeless for several days. The ‘Superman’ actress was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and eventually became a mental health advocate. She rejected traditional medication for many years in favor of orthomolecular medicine. Kidder spent the later years of her life speaking about the need for compassion toward the homeless and mentally ill. She worked to remove the shame associated with psychiatric breakdowns.

Patty Duke

Patty Duke was one of the first celebrities to publicly disclose her diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She wrote a memoir titled ‘Call Me Anna’ that detailed her manic highs and suicidal lows. The actress became a lobbyist for funding mental health research and treatment. She spent decades educating the public about the reality of living with a mood disorder. Duke is credited with saving countless lives through her early advocacy.

Heather Locklear

Heather Locklear has sought treatment in rehabilitation facilities for anxiety and depression. The actress faced a series of personal and legal troubles that were exacerbated by her mental health struggles. She has taken time away from the spotlight to focus on sobriety and emotional stability. Locklear relies on the support of her family and medical professionals. Her journey illustrates the difficulty of maintaining mental health while under public scrutiny.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton was placed under an involuntary psychiatric hold after a breakdown in the late two thousands. The ‘The O.C.’ star struggled with the intense pressure of teen stardom and the intrusive paparazzi culture. She has since spoken about the trauma of being sexualized and scrutinized at a young age. Barton has returned to acting with a focus on maintaining strict boundaries. She advocates for better protection for young actors in the industry.

Lili Reinhart

Lili Reinhart often discusses her ongoing battle with depression and body dysmorphia. The ‘Riverdale’ actress has taken breaks from social media to protect her mental state from online toxicity. She encourages her fans to prioritize therapy and self-love over external validation. Reinhart has published poetry that explores her feelings of anxiety and sadness. She refuses to present a curated and false image of perfection to the world.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne has dealt with severe depression and dyspraxia since her school years. The model and actress admitted to having suicidal thoughts during the peak of her modeling career. She turned to writing and acting as outlets to express her emotions more healthily. Delevingne practices yoga and meditation to help center her mind. She speaks openly about her sexuality and mental health to empower young people.

Jameela Jamil

Jameela Jamil has survived suicide attempts and suffers from complex PTSD. The actress uses EMDR therapy to process the trauma she experienced in her youth. She is a vocal critic of diet culture and the negative impact it has on mental health. Jamil founded a movement to encourage radical self-acceptance and inclusivity. She believes that societal pressure is a major contributor to the mental health crisis.

Constance Wu

Constance Wu attempted suicide after facing severe backlash on social media regarding her career choices. The actress vanished from the public eye to seek psychiatric treatment and heal. She wrote a book to explain her side of the story and the pressure she felt as an Asian American representative. Wu now speaks about the dangers of cancel culture and its effect on mental stability. She encourages forgiveness and understanding in online discourse.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne has struggled with depression and anxiety stemming from her time as a child star. The actress uses her social media platforms to show the gritty reality of her emotional days. She has faced criticism for her openness but refuses to hide her struggles. Thorne writes books and directs films that explore themes of trauma and identity. She advocates for the freedom to express oneself without judgment.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence has described dealing with social anxiety and hyperactivity as a child. The actress found that acting provided a focus that calmed her racing mind. She has spoken about the anxiety she feels regarding her loss of privacy and fame. Lawrence utilizes humor and a close circle of friends to stay grounded. She admits that she still gets nervous before every major public appearance.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon has opened up about the anxiety she experiences and her struggles with postpartum depression. The actress and producer utilizes therapy to manage the stress of running a media empire. She admitted to having panic attacks before filming began on ‘Wild’ due to the vulnerability required. Witherspoon advocates for more honest storytelling about women’s mental health in film. She believes that seeing these stories on screen helps women feel less alone.

Courteney Cox

Courteney Cox suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter Coco. The ‘Friends’ star experienced delayed symptoms that manifested as a deep sadness and heart palpitations. She sought medical help and hormonal support to correct the imbalance. Cox was surprised by the diagnosis because she had a supportive partner and a successful career. She shares her story to warn other mothers that PPD can happen to anyone.

Bryce Dallas Howard

Bryce Dallas Howard wrote a powerful essay detailing her severe postpartum depression. The actress described feeling an emotional disconnect from her son and an inability to care for him. She required the intervention of friends and professionals to begin her recovery. Howard refers to the experience as the darkest chapter of her life. She advocates for better postpartum care and support systems for all mothers.

Please share your thoughts on these stories and your own experiences in the comments.