The new Taylor Swift documentary, “Miss Americana,” has people talking as she opens up about her struggles with hate, shame, anxiety, and an eating disorder that took her down to a size two. It reminds us that celebrities are human too.
Nowadays, anxiety is a common topic, and celebrities are no exception. According to the Mental Health Foundation, around three million people suffer from anxiety, based on the latest Psychiatric Morbidity Survey.
Taylor Swift, at 30, has faced plenty of public scrutiny over the years, from being called ‘too annoying’ or ‘too skinny’ to rumors about her being pregnant. But how has all this criticism affected her? In her new documentary, directed by Lana Wilson, she reveals that she stayed out of the public eye for a year, thinking that’s what people wanted.
We can all relate to wanting to hide away sometimes. For someone as successful and confident as Swift, who has over twenty-one awards to her name, it’s surprising to learn she felt this way. But anxiety often isn’t visible. Swift shares that she’s struggled with anxiety in romantic relationships, feeling like she was constantly fighting for respect and had to change her whole belief system.
Throughout her career, she felt pressured to be the ‘good girl,’ a persona pushed on her by executives who believed ‘a nice girl doesn’t force her opinions on people.’ This pressure led her to extreme dieting and nearly passing out during performances. No one should have to go through that.
Eventually, trying to meet everyone’s expectations took its toll, as her documentary shows. When introducing her song “Out of the Woods,” she mentions feeling fragile and anxious about her past relationship and its stability. Swift questioned how long it would last, reflecting her lack of confidence in it.
“Miss Americana” will be available in select theaters and on Netflix from January 31st.
Actress Sienna Miller has also opened up about avoiding social media for over two years, citing the anxiety it brings. It’s easy to dismiss celebrities’ anxiety because it seems trendy, but anxiety and depression are common issues. According to Anxiety UK, about 10% of the UK population will experience an anxiety disorder at some point.
Many factors can contribute to anxiety, and it’s common regardless of socioeconomic status.
Model Kendall Jenner has spoken publicly about her anxiety through interviews and social media. She faced severe abuse after being scouted as a model in her early teens and has filed restraining orders against stalkers. Jenner has experienced panic attacks and sleep paralysis, which is a condition where you’re awake but can’t move or speak, often accompanied by hallucinations.
Opening up about anxiety is challenging, but sharing the journey can be helpful.
Singer Adele, who became a mainstream star at 20, has also suffered from anxiety, especially regarding live performances. She created an alter ego, “Sasha Carter” (a mix of Beyoncé’s and June Carter’s personas) to help her perform despite her anxiety.
Kristen Bell, the voice of Princess Anna in “Frozen,” has been open about her struggles with anxiety. She has spoken out about the stigma surrounding mental health and shared her experiences and coping mechanisms, including the use of CBD lotion.
Ryan Reynolds, known for his role as Deadpool, revealed that his quick wit is partly a way to manage his anxiety. He often stays in character to handle his anxious nature. Reynolds’ anxiety stems from his relationship with his father, which led him to overcompensate by keeping everything in order.
Actress Gina Rodriguez, best known for “Jane the Virgin,” has dealt with panic attacks and even had to shut down production due to an anxiety attack. She uses social media to share her journey and fight the stigma around mental health, especially in the Latino community. Rodriguez has also discussed her struggles with body acceptance due to a thyroid condition.
Anxiety is a significant issue that affects many people, including celebrities, but talking about it can help break the stigma and promote understanding.