LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Had Mental Health Problems

Public figures often face immense pressure that can exacerbate underlying personal struggles. The following actresses identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and have bravely shared their battles with mental health issues. Their openness helps destigmatize these conditions and encourages fans to seek help when needed. This list highlights their stories of resilience and recovery while navigating the spotlight.

Lady Gaga

This multi-talented performer identifies as bisexual and has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. She has openly discussed her diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from a sexual assault early in her career. The actress takes medication to manage her condition and utilizes her platform to support others through her Born This Way Foundation. Her transparency about chronic pain and fibromyalgia also highlights the connection between physical and mental well-being.

Angelina Jolie

The Academy Award-winning actress has been open about her bisexuality throughout her decades in Hollywood. She experienced severe depression and engaged in self-harm during her younger years. The star has spoken about how humanitarian work and motherhood helped her find stability and purpose. Her candid discussions about preventive surgeries have also shed light on the mental toll of facing genetic health risks.

Kristen Stewart

Known for her roles in major franchises and independent films, this actress identifies as queer. She has described experiencing debilitating anxiety and panic attacks during her rise to global fame. The pressure of constant public scrutiny caused her physical illness and constant stomach aches. She eventually learned to manage her mental health through therapy and grounding techniques.

Cara Delevingne

This model and actress identifies as pansexual and genderfluid. She has battled severe depression and anxiety since her teenage years. The star revealed that she struggled with suicidal thoughts and dyspraxia during her time in school. She has credited yoga and writing as essential tools for maintaining her mental balance.

Demi Lovato

Identifying as non-binary and fluid, this performer has been extremely transparent about their mental health journey. They have faced public battles with bipolar disorder and eating disorders. The star has also documented their recovery from addiction and the lasting effects of a near-fatal overdose. Their documentaries serve as raw and honest accounts of navigating fame with mental illness.

Miley Cyrus

The former child star identifies as pansexual and has grown up under intense media observation. She has spoken about experiencing deep depression during periods of her career that seemed perfect from the outside. The singer and actress uses her Happy Hippie Foundation to support homeless youth and the LGBTQ+ community. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and staying true to one’s identity.

Drew Barrymore

This beloved actress identifies as bisexual and has a well-documented history of childhood struggles. She was institutionalized as a young teenager due to addiction and behavioral issues. The star has successfully rebuilt her life and career while openly discussing her past trauma. She now focuses on maintaining a healthy work-life balance for herself and her children.

Evan Rachel Wood

Identifying as bisexual, this actress has been a fierce advocate for survivors of domestic violence. She has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following abusive relationships. The star testified before Congress to help pass legislation protecting survivors. Her activism is deeply rooted in her own journey toward healing and reclaiming her agency.

Sarah Paulson

The acclaimed television actress is in a long-term relationship with a woman and identifies as sexually fluid. She has admitted to suffering from anxiety and takes medication to help manage it. The star sometimes experiences panic when traveling or facing high-pressure situations. She believes in being honest about her fears rather than hiding them from the public.

Megan Fox

This actress came out as bisexual early in her career and has faced intense objectification. She has discussed suffering from deep insecurities and body dysmorphia. The star revealed that she reached a breaking point where she feared leaving her house due to psychological distress. She has since focused on spiritual healing and removing herself from toxic industry environments.

Bella Thorne

Identifying as pansexual, this former Disney Channel star has faced numerous controversies in the public eye. She has spoken about her struggles with depression and the trauma of sexual abuse. The actress uses poetry and music as outlets to process her emotions and experiences. She advocates for authenticity and refuses to conform to traditional Hollywood standards.

Ruby Rose

The Australian actress and model identifies as lesbian and genderfluid. She has battled severe depression and has been hospitalized for mental health issues in the past. The star has also opened up about her history with bipolar disorder and complex PTSD. She emphasizes the importance of checking in on friends and seeking professional help.

Amandla Stenberg

This young performer identifies as gay and non-binary. They have discussed living with anxiety and the pressure of being a role model for marginalized youth. The star practices meditation and mindfulness to cope with the stresses of the industry. They believe that vulnerability is a strength rather than a weakness.

Lili Reinhart

Known for her role in ‘Riverdale’, this actress identifies as bisexual. She has been a vocal advocate for body positivity and mental health awareness. The star suffers from depression and anxiety and has seen a therapist for many years. She frequently uses social media to remind fans that social media images are often curated and unrealistic.

Mara Wilson

The former child star identifies as bisexual and has written extensively about her mental health. She was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression at a young age. The actress and writer advocates for better protections for child performers. She uses her storytelling skills to explain the nuances of neurodivergence to her audience.

Dove Cameron

This actress identifies as queer and has publicly navigated significant personal tragedies. She has struggled with depression and anorexia throughout her life. The star has spoken about the trauma of losing her father to suicide and how therapy saved her life. She encourages her fans to prioritize their mental health above their careers.

Shannon Purser

Best known for her breakout role in ‘Stranger Things’, this actress identifies as bisexual. She has opened up about her struggles with OCD and depression. The star once shared an image of her razor blade to symbolize her commitment to stopping self-harm. She regularly engages with fans to offer support and resources for mental wellness.

Stephanie Beatriz

The comedy actress identifies as bisexual and has brought visibility to the community through her roles. She has discussed suffering from disordered eating and severe anxiety during her career. The star realized she needed to change her habits to sustain her health and longevity. She now focuses on strength and wellness rather than conforming to thinness.

Paris Jackson

The daughter of a pop legend identifies as queer and has lived her entire life in the spotlight. She has been open about her history of depression and multiple suicide attempts. The actress and model seeks therapy and has spent time in treatment centers to manage her emotional health. She uses music and art as primary methods for coping with her trauma.

Willow Smith

This young artist identifies as bisexual and polyamorous. She has experienced severe anxiety and engaged in self-harm during her early teenage years. The star famously discussed her mental health on ‘Red Table Talk’ with her mother and grandmother. She advocates for emotional transparency and breaking generational cycles of silence.

Alyson Stoner

A former child dancer and actress, she identifies as pansexual. She has undergone rehab for eating disorders and anxiety. The star has also spoken about the trauma of undergoing conversion therapy in an attempt to change her sexuality. She now produces content focused on mindfulness and holistic wellness.

Margaret Cho

The comedian and actress identifies as bisexual and has built a career on honest humor. She has battled depression and substance addiction for many years. The star uses her stand-up routines to process her pain and connect with audiences. She is a survivor of sexual abuse and uses her voice to fight for others.

Portia de Rossi

This actress is married to Ellen DeGeneres and identifies as a lesbian. She suffered from a severe eating disorder that nearly claimed her life during her time on ‘Ally McBeal’. The star wrote a memoir detailing her struggle with anorexia and the pressure to be thin. She has since retired from acting to focus on her recovery and business ventures.

Maria Bello

Identifying as bisexual, this actress has written about her modern family structure. She has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and is open about the challenges it presents. The star manages her condition with medication and a strong support system. She believes that labeling mental illness helps remove the shame associated with it.

Heather Matarazzo

The actress identifies as a lesbian and has been in the industry since childhood. She has shared her experiences with suicidal depression after coming out publicly. The star felt ostracized by the industry and struggled to find her place. She has since become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health visibility.

Rosie O’Donnell

This comedian and actress has been a prominent lesbian figure in media for decades. She has major depressive disorder and has been treated with medication and therapy. The star has famously used her talk show platform to discuss mental health issues candidly. She continues to speak out about the importance of accessible mental healthcare.

Gillian Anderson

The ‘X-Files’ star identifies as bisexual and has had a prolific career. She has struggled with depression and panic attacks at various points in her life. The actress has written books aimed at empowering women to manage their mental well-being. She emphasizes the importance of honesty and self-acceptance.

Aubrey Plaza

Known for her deadpan comedy, this actress identifies as bisexual. She suffered a stroke at a young age which led to expressive aphasia and anxiety. The star uses humor to cope with uncomfortable situations and social anxiety. She has spoken about the lingering fear of health issues affecting her mental state.

Holland Taylor

This veteran actress is in a high-profile relationship with Sarah Paulson and identifies as gay. She has discussed suffering from a long period of depression that she initially termed “mental deadness.” The star found relief through therapy and medication later in life. Her story proves that it is never too late to seek help and find happiness.

Halsey

While primarily a singer, this performer has acting credits and identifies as bisexual. They have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and have been hospitalized for it. The star uses their art to express the highs and lows of the condition. They are a passionate advocate for destigmatizing mood disorders.

Chloë Grace Moretz

This actress has played queer characters and identifies as a “gay woman” according to recent statements. She has dealt with severe anxiety and body dysmorphia triggered by memes and public scrutiny. The star took a break from acting to recalibrate her mental health and regain her confidence. She now chooses roles that align more closely with her personal values.

Rowan Blanchard

The young actress identifies as queer and is known for her activism. She has been open about her depression and the difficulty of growing up on television. The star wrote a book that includes diary entries about her mental health struggles. She encourages her peers to validate their own feelings and seek support.

Lily-Rose Depp

The daughter of Johnny Depp identifies on the queer spectrum. She has battled anorexia and the anxiety that comes with having famous parents. The actress has spoken about the difficulty of recovering from an eating disorder while under public surveillance. She focuses on staying healthy and ignoring internet toxicity.

Mischa Barton

The ‘The O.C.’ star has dated both men and women and faced massive tabloid scrutiny. She was placed under an involuntary psychiatric hold in 2009 following a nervous breakdown. The actress has since spoken about the pressure to be perfect and the trauma of child stardom. She has slowly returned to acting while prioritizing her mental peace.

Fergie

The singer and actress identifies as bisexual. She struggled with crystal meth addiction which led to chemically induced psychosis and dementia. The star hallucinated constantly and had to relearn how to function normally. She credits her recovery to faith and therapy.

Hunter Schafer

This trans actress and model identifies as a lesbian. She has discussed her struggles with depression and the dysphoria she experienced before transitioning. The ‘Euphoria’ star used art as a survival mechanism during her darkest times. She hopes her work helps other trans youth feel less alone.

Barbie Ferreira

Identifying as queer, this actress has been a breakout star in recent years. She has spoken about the anxiety of being a plus-size woman in Hollywood. The star deals with depression and the pressure to represent body positivity at all times. She advocates for allowing people to exist without constantly politicizing their bodies.

Janelle Monáe

This performer identifies as pansexual and non-binary. They have discussed recovering from mercury poisoning and the anxiety it caused. The star also speaks about the trauma of systemic racism and its impact on mental health. They use science fiction concepts in their art to process these complex emotions.

Tessa Thompson

The actress identifies as bisexual and is attracted to men and women. She has been an advocate for therapy and normalizing mental health maintenance. The star discusses how she manages anxiety while balancing a busy filming schedule. She believes in the power of community support for emotional wellness.

Cynthia Erivo

This award-winning actress identifies as queer and bisexual. She has opened up about the adrenaline dumps and anxiety she feels when performing. The star uses fitness and running as a way to clear her mind and maintain stability. She encourages open conversations about the mental toll of high-performance careers.

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