Young Actors Who Had Mental Health Problems

The pressures of fame often manifest early for those who grow up in the spotlight or achieve sudden success. Many young actors have utilized their platforms to discuss the realities of anxiety and depression to destigmatize these common struggles. The following individuals have been open about their personal battles with mental health while navigating their careers.

Tom Holland

This British actor is best known for portraying Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He announced a hiatus from social media platforms after realizing they were detrimental to his mental well-being. Holland admitted that reading negative comments online caused him to spiral and significantly increased his anxiety levels. He has since advocated for apps and organizations that support teenage mental health to help others in similar situations.

Finn Wolfhard

Wolfhard experienced severe panic attacks while filming his breakout role in the hit series ‘Stranger Things’. The sudden onset of global fame at a very young age created immense pressure that manifested physically during production. He credited his co-stars and supportive directors for helping him navigate these terrifying episodes on set. Wolfhard now speaks candidly about the importance of maintaining privacy and boundaries to protect his peace of mind.

Cole Sprouse

The ‘Riverdale’ star revealed that he turned to professional photography as a way to cope with severe depression. Sprouse explained that the creative outlet provided a necessary escape when he was feeling low and struggling with his identity after childhood stardom. He has described this dark period as a time when he needed to separate himself from the industry to heal. His work behind the camera eventually became a therapeutic tool that helped him regain his confidence.

Dylan O’Brien

O’Brien suffered a traumatic brain injury during a stunt accident on the set of ‘The Maze Runner: The Death Cure’. The incident led to a long recovery period involving severe anxiety and psychological struggles regarding his return to acting. He confessed that the trauma made him question whether he ever wanted to step in front of a camera again. The actor eventually overcame his fears to return to the screen but remains vocal about the psychological toll of physical trauma.

Pete Davidson

The former ‘Saturday Night Live’ cast member has been incredibly transparent about his diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Davidson uses comedy to process his struggles with depression and the childhood trauma of losing his father on 9/11. He has checked into rehabilitation facilities multiple times to prioritize his mental stability and manage his symptoms. His openness has helped bring awareness to the complexities of living with personality disorders.

Kit Connor

After rising to fame in the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’, Connor faced intense scrutiny regarding his sexuality from fans on social media. The pressure and accusations of queerbaiting forced him to publicly come out as bisexual before he was ready. He described the experience as a difficult time that caused him significant anxiety and frustration with the toxic side of internet culture. Connor continues to advocate for the right of young actors to keep their personal lives private.

Will Poulter

Poulter stepped back from Twitter after his appearance in ‘Black Mirror: Bandersnatch’ drew harsh criticism and personal attacks. The actor cited the need to prioritize his mental health over engaging with social media negativity. He has spoken about the anxiety that comes with public visibility and the importance of disconnecting to stay grounded. Poulter now works with anti-bullying organizations to help young people manage the mental effects of online harassment.

John Boyega

The ‘Star Wars’ actor revealed that the relentless schedule and pressure of the franchise left him feeling exhausted and paranoid. Boyega stated that he needed to take a serious break to focus on therapy and rebuilding his sense of self. He expressed that the industry often treats actors like machines which can lead to severe burnout and mental fatigue. His candid discussions have highlighted the need for better mental health support within major film productions.

KJ Apa

Filming the long-running series ‘Riverdale’ took a significant toll on Apa due to the intense pressure to maintain a specific physique. He admitted that the expectations to look perfect shirtless caused him body image issues and mental exhaustion. The actor eventually had to reevaluate his relationship with exercise and diet to prioritize his happiness over aesthetics. Apa now focuses on a more balanced lifestyle that supports his mental well-being rather than just his physical appearance.

Simu Liu

The star of ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ has spoken about battling imposter syndrome after his rapid ascent to superstardom. Liu sought therapy to deal with the burnout and anxiety that accompanied his sudden global recognition. He realized that he was neglecting his mental health while trying to represent his community and please everyone else. The actor now emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and taking time for self-care.

Tom Felton

Felton detailed his struggles with alcohol abuse and mental health in his memoir regarding his life after the ‘Harry Potter’ films. He described how his drinking became a symptom of a deeper struggle with his mental state and emotional well-being. His management and family eventually staged an intervention that led him to seek professional treatment in rehab. Felton hopes his story encourages others to seek help without feeling shame or embarrassment.

Daniel Radcliffe

Radcliffe turned to alcohol during the later years of filming ‘Harry Potter’ to cope with the panic of being a celebrity. He felt intense pressure to live up to public expectations and used drinking as a way to manage his social anxiety. The actor has been sober for many years and speaks openly about how giving up alcohol improved his mental clarity. He continues to support mental health charities and encourages open dialogue about addiction.

Rupert Grint

Grint struggled with a crisis of identity after spending his entire childhood playing Ron Weasley. He found it difficult to separate himself from the character and experienced anxiety about his future in the industry. The actor considered quitting acting entirely to protect his sanity and find out who he was outside of the franchise. He has since found a balance by taking on more diverse roles and maintaining a private personal life.

Zac Efron

Efron has battled depression and severe insomnia related to the rigorous training required for his film roles. He revealed that the preparation for ‘Baywatch’ caused him to develop agoraphobia and fall into a deep depression. The actor realized that the physical transformation was unsustainable and had damaged his mental equilibrium. He now refuses to undergo such extreme physical changes and prioritizes his overall health.

Robert Pattinson

The ‘Twilight’ and ‘The Batman’ actor has frequently discussed his struggles with body dysmorphia and anxiety. Pattinson admitted that the intense scrutiny of his appearance has caused him significant stress throughout his career. He often experiences panic before red carpet events due to the pressure of public perception. The actor uses humor and privacy to manage the psychological demands of being a leading man.

Noah Centineo

Centineo opened up about a dark period in his younger years where he experimented heavily with drugs and alcohol. He described himself as emotionally unstable during that time and realized he needed to make a drastic change. The actor has been sober for several years and practices meditation to maintain his mental balance. He frequently discusses mindfulness and the importance of mental hygiene with his fanbase.

Tyler Posey

The ‘Teen Wolf’ star has been vocal about his journey with sobriety and battling addiction issues. Posey dealt with severe depression following the death of his mother and the end of his hit television show. He has used music and therapy as outlets to process his grief and mental health struggles. The actor is now an advocate for being open about emotional pain and seeking professional help.

Colton Haynes

Haynes left his roles on ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’ to address severe anxiety that was causing him physical illness. He revealed that the pressure to stay in the closet and maintain a perfect public image led to a breakdown. The actor eventually came out publicly and sought treatment for depression and addiction. He now uses his platform to support LGBTQ+ youth and discuss the intersection of mental health and identity.

Justice Smith

Smith has used social media to document his experiences with anxiety and the importance of emotional vulnerability. He often shares his coping mechanisms and encourages men to be more open about their feelings. The ‘Detective Pikachu’ actor believes that toxic masculinity often prevents young men from addressing their mental health needs. His honest posts aim to create a safe space for his followers to discuss their own struggles.

Austin Butler

Butler experienced an identity crisis and physical collapse after wrapping production on ‘Elvis’. The method acting approach he utilized caused him to lose touch with who he was as a person and triggered a period of depression. He also dealt with the grief of losing his mother which compounded his emotional struggle during his rise to fame. The actor had to spend time reconnecting with his family and true self to recover.

Jacob Elordi

Elordi admitted that the sudden fame from ‘The Kissing Booth’ caused him to want to quit acting due to the invasive nature of the paparazzi. He expressed that the objectification he faced made him feel anxious and disconnected from his craft. The actor struggled with the idea that his value was tied solely to his appearance rather than his talent. He now carefully selects roles that challenge him artistically to maintain his mental engagement.

Paul Mescal

The ‘Normal People’ actor has discussed the depressive themes of his work and how he relates to the anxiety of his characters. Mescal noted that the sudden global attention he received during the pandemic was overwhelming and difficult to process. He prioritizes therapy and staying off social media to protect his mental health. The actor emphasizes the importance of separating his public persona from his private life.

Grant Gustin

Gustin has dealt with anxiety and imposter syndrome throughout his tenure as the lead in ‘The Flash’. He admitted that he often felt he wasn’t good enough for the role and struggled with the pressure of leading a major franchise. The actor has spoken about the benefits of therapy in helping him manage these intrusive thoughts. He encourages fans to be patient with themselves and acknowledge their own mental health journeys.

Chris Wood

Wood founded the mental health awareness campaign IDONTMIND after realizing how many people suffer in silence. He has shared his own experiences with anxiety and mania that went undiagnosed for a period of his life. The actor aims to defeat the stigma surrounding mental illness by encouraging open conversation. His organization raises funds and provides resources for those in need of support.

Evan Peters

Peters took a long break from acting after portraying a series of dark and psychologically draining characters. He revealed that roles in ‘American Horror Story’ took a massive toll on his mental wellness and left him feeling burnt out. The actor expressed a need to play more lighthearted roles to restore his own happiness. He is now more selective about the projects he chooses to protect his mental state.

Charles Melton

Melton has spoken about the self-doubt and anxiety he felt while filming the drama ‘May December’. He utilized the intense emotions of his character to process his own feelings of inadequacy and pressure. The actor practices grounding techniques to manage the stress of high-profile acting gigs. He believes in the power of vulnerability and often discusses his emotional process in interviews.

Shia LaBeouf

LaBeouf has a well-documented history of PTSD and alcoholism which has impacted his career and personal life. He was diagnosed with PTSD resulting from childhood trauma which contributed to his volatile behavior in public. The actor has sought inpatient treatment to address his addiction and underlying mental health conditions. He has since focused on writing and creating art as a way to process his experiences.

Ezra Miller

Miller has faced a highly publicized series of legal and mental health crises in recent years. They eventually released a statement acknowledging they were suffering from complex mental health issues. The actor committed to ongoing treatment and apologized for their past behavior during the height of their struggles. Miller is currently focusing on recovery away from the public eye.

Dominic Fike

The ‘Euphoria’ actor and musician has been open about his battles with drug addiction and the difficulties of sobriety. Fike admitted that he was nearly fired from the show due to his substance use while filming. He has spoken about the challenges of maintaining his mental health while navigating the music and film industries. Fike continues to work on his sobriety and uses his art to express his journey.

Elliot Page

Page publicly discussed the severe depression and gender dysphoria he experienced before transitioning. He described the mental anguish of being forced to wear women’s clothing on red carpets and the disconnection he felt from his body. Since coming out as a trans man, he has expressed feeling a profound sense of joy and mental clarity. Page is now a fierce advocate for trans rights and mental health care access.

Angus Cloud

Before his untimely passing, Cloud spoke about the difficulties of sudden fame and his struggles with addiction. The ‘Euphoria’ actor faced significant mental health challenges following the death of his father shortly before his own death. He was open about the fact that he did not seek out celebrity status and found the attention overwhelming. His story serves as a tragic reminder of the hidden battles many young actors face.

Harry Styles

Styles has utilized therapy to work through the anxiety and fear of making mistakes that originated from his time in One Direction. He opened up about the “cleanliness” clauses in his contracts that made him terrified of doing anything wrong. The singer and actor now views therapy as a way to stay mentally healthy rather than just a solution for a crisis. He frequently discusses the importance of kindness and emotional intelligence.

Barry Keoghan

Keoghan faced significant childhood trauma growing up in the foster care system after his mother passed away from addiction. He has channeled this pain into his acting but admits that the scars of his past still affect him. The actor uses boxing and his craft as outlets to manage the restlessness and anxiety that stems from his upbringing. He remains a powerful example of resilience in the face of early adversity.

Lucas Hedges

Hedges has spoken about the intense anxiety he experiences regarding his acting performance and public perception. He described feeling a constant need for validation that can be mentally draining during production. The actor has worked to detach his self-worth from his professional success. He aims to be as honest as possible about his insecurities to help dismantle the illusion of Hollywood perfection.

Share your thoughts on these stories and your own experiences with mental health in the comments.