Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Prince Harry, Emma Stone: how famous mental health sufferers deal with their issues
Prince Harry set up the Heads Up campaign with Prince William and Kate Middleton; Lady Gaga established Born This Way; and other celebrities speak openly about how they wrestled with mental health issues
Mental health issues do not discriminate – even famous people have to grapple with depression, anxiety, social disorders and other diagnoses.
In recent years, more celebrities and famous names have come forward with their own issues, explaining how they recognised the need for professional help and intervention. What they learned has helped fans across the globe, and some of the organisations they have established continue to assist those in need.
Here are five famous names who are making a difference with their stories:
Billie Eilish – depression, suicidal thoughts
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has spoken about her depression and suicidal thoughts to American television presenter Gayle King, admitting: “I didn’t think I would make it to 17”.
Her single Bury a Friend is a reflection of that “dark period” in her life, which was when she said she felt suicidal and deeply depressed. Eilish credits her mother, Maggie Baird, for saving her life (Baird drastically cut Eilish’s work schedule to help her daughter cope with her depression).
In an Ad Council video on mental health and friendship, Eilish said: “It doesn’t make you weak to ask for help. It doesn’t.” On what advice Eilish could give to fans who were also suffering from the same mental health issues, Eilish told Vogue she thought time was a great healer.
“When people ask me what I’d say to somebody looking for advice on mental health, the only thing I can say is patience. I had patience with myself. I didn’t take that last step. I waited. Things fade.”
Lady Gaga – PTSD