The new Taylor Swift documentary, “Miss Americana,” has everyone talking as she opens up about the challenges she’s faced, including hate, shame, anxiety, and an eating disorder that made her extremely thin. It’s a reminder that celebrities, too, deal with real human issues.
Anxiety is becoming a more common topic of discussion, with many people now talking about mental health openly, including celebrities. A survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that about three million people in the UK suffer from anxiety.
Taylor Swift, now 30, has dealt with a lot of public criticism since she was young. In her new documentary, directed by Lana Wilson and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, she shares her story of struggling with anxiety and the pressure to be seen as the “good girl.”
Swift recalls feeling that she had to disappear from the public eye to meet others’ expectations. Despite her confident public persona and numerous awards, she was battling severe anxiety, which wasn’t always visible. She felt pressured to conform to ideals set by others, which led her to extreme measures like starving herself and feeling faint during performances. Her desperation to maintain a public image took a severe toll on her well-being.
During the documentary, she introduces her song “Out of the Woods,” revealing her fears about her past relationship’s stability and her constant worry about its future. Swift’s lack of confidence in her relationship’s longevity is another layer of her anxiety.
“Miss Americana” will be available in select theaters and on Netflix from January 31st.
In another instance, actress Sienna Miller revealed she hasn’t used social media for over two years due to the anxiety it caused her. This highlights that when celebrities discuss their anxiety, it shouldn’t be dismissed as a trend. Anxiety and depression are common issues, affecting about 10 percent of the UK population at some point in their lives.
Model Kendall Jenner has also been open about her struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep paralysis. She has faced severe online abuse since her teen years. In a 2017 episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” she shared her fears and the impact on her mental health.
Sleep paralysis, a condition where a person is conscious but unable to move or speak, can be terrifying and contribute to anxiety, although it’s not harmful.
Singer Adele has also struggled with anxiety, particularly related to live performances. Early in her career, she was nervous about performing at festivals due to her anxiety. She has since managed her fears by channeling an alter ego named Sasha Carter, inspired by Beyoncé and June Carter.
Kristen Bell, known for her role in “Frozen,” actively advocates for mental health awareness. She has written openly about her anxiety and works to break the stigma around mental illness. Bell encourages seeking help for mental health issues just as one would for physical illness.
Ryan Reynolds has also spoken about his lifelong battle with anxiety. Known for his humorous roles, Reynolds revealed that his rapid-fire wit helps him cope with his anxiety. His childhood relationship with his father influenced his anxious tendencies.
Gina Rodriguez, best known for her role in “Jane the Virgin,” discussed her struggles with panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. She aims to use her platform to reduce the stigma around mental health, particularly in the Latino community. Rodriguez also talks about her struggles with body acceptance due to a thyroid condition.
Understanding these celebrities’ experiences with anxiety helps more people realize they are not alone in their mental health struggles.