Living with a mental health condition or an addiction can feel lonely and isolating, but there are many celebrities who have either experienced similar things in their lives or know someone who has. Here are 7 vocal celebrities who are speaking out about these issues to lessen stigma.
1. Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham, creator and star of HBO’s Girls, has been open for quite some time about her struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She talks about her experiences with medication and even wrote a piece for the New Yorker outlining her experiences growing up with a mental illness.
2. Daniel Alfredsson
Hockey player Daniel Alfredsson has been recognized for his significant contributions to raising awareness about mental health. Inspired by his loved ones’ struggles with addiction, he became a spokesperson for the “You Know Who I Am” campaign which demonstrated just how many people were affected by mental illness.
3. Demi Lovato
Musical artist Demi Lovato was diagnosed with bipolar disorder fairly recently and has since joined a campaign called “Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health” to encourage open discussion about mental health conditions.
4. David Beckham
David Beckham, the world famous soccer player, struggles with OCD. He has been commended for speaking about his diagnosis and battling the associated stigma, as it’s particularly stigmatized amongst males.
5. Brittany Snow
Brittany Snow, who plays bright, cheery Chloe in the _Pitch Perfect _movies struggled with an eating disorder, depression and self harm. She went to treatment and is open about her recovery journey. Snow was even a spokesperson at the annual gala for the Jed Foundation, an organization which promotes emotional health and works to prevent suicide.
6. Jon Hamm
Most well known for his role in Mad Men, Jon Hamm is an actor who struggles with depression. He is very open about his diagnosis and has even commented on the benefits of therapy and antidepressants.
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