Just Like Us: Seven Celebrities Who Are No Stranger to Depression

When we flip through our favorite glossy magazines, we often find ourselves face to face with some of the most beautiful people in Hollywood. With their perfectly coiffed hair, impeccably applied makeup, and flawless sense of style, their entire aura just seems wholly unattainable to the average person. We’re understandably struck by their elegance and grace, and also perhaps a little bit low-key jealous.

However, despite the way these elite A-listers present themselves to the world, the fact is, they’re really not that different from the rest of us. Yes, they may have a team of stylists who help them get dressed in the morning. And sure, it’s possible that their chef was flown in from France to make them dinner tonight, but that’s just a matter of nuance. Should we really be envious of them?

Perhaps not. While they may seem to exude class, they are still human beings. The fact is, being a multi-millionaire celebrity doesn’t make a person immune to mental illness. If anything, being constantly in the public’s scrutiny can not only increase one’s risk of struggling with a mental disorder. Sadly, though, this is often met with the label of a “mental breakdown,” further highlighting the stigma surrounding mental illness.

That said, seeing someone who we know, love, respect, and admire actually admit to having depression can be refreshing. It breaks down that barrier that separates us from them, and it also opens up the door to seeking out treatment. If you’ve been concealing your own feelings of depression, perhaps you can find inspiration in these brave celebrities who came forward about their own struggles with it.

Jon Hamm

For some actors, art sometimes imitates life. Jon Hamm is no different, and the Mad Men star has had his own share of turmoil in his life. Throughout his career, he’s been forthright about his bouts of depression, citing the loss of his father when he was still in college. Speaking with InStyle magazine, Hamm discussed the issues with asking for help, as it can be seen as a sign of weakness. Instead, he said, it’s the opposite. It takes strength to admit they need it.

Katy Perry

The “Firework” singer recently shared an explosive confession during a candid, 96-hour livestream on YouTube. In it, she opened up about her history with depression, pointing out that if people can see that she’s like them, they can also dream big. She also shared during a separate interview with Vogue back in 2020 about how she couldn’t get out of bed some days, and her relationship with Orlando Bloom helped her recover.

Lady Gaga

Mezzo-soprano Lady Gaga, famed for hits like “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance,” has taken a bold position about her experience with depression and anxiety. She’s always been very forthright about the fact that she takes medication for her depression, and revealed she’s dealt with these issues her entire life. Speaking to Billboard magazine, Gaga commented, “If we share our stories and stick together, we’re stronger.”

Dwayne Johnson

He may have been once known as “The Rock,” but this celebrity has recently shared his soft side with the public. In an interview with British Newspaper, Express, Johnson shared an intimate peek into his childhood. He revealed that his mother had attempted to take her own life when she was 15, and added, “Struggle and pain is real.” He later tweeted, “Depression never discriminates…You’re not alone.”

Adele

Known for crooning out hits like “Hello,” and “Rolling in the Deep,” Adele has also struggled with mental illness in her life. Following the birth of her son, she soon realized she needed to seek out postpartum depression treatment, as it was severely impacting her life. In a frank conversation with Vanity Fair, she said, “I was obsessed with my child. I felt very inadequate…I had really bad postpartum depression after I had my son, and it frightened me.”

Kristen Bell

Known for playing the impossibly adorable and upbeat Anna on Disney’s Frozen, Kristen Bell’s life hasn’t always been easy. In fact, the beautiful actress can trace her depression back to college. In an essay she penned for Motto, Bell revealed that she went public with her mental illness to both shed more light on it and erase the stigma surrounding it. “There is nothing weak,” she says, “about struggling with mental illness.”

Buzz Aldrin

One wouldn’t think that one of the first people to walk on the moon would happen to struggle with depression, but Buzz Aldrin has also had his own share of mental health issues in his past. Following his literal skyrocket to fame, the astronaut found himself facing problems with depression, alcohol, and eventual divorce. Depression ran in his family, so Aldrin sought out treatment and not long after, became the chairman of the National Mental Health Association.

Finding Common Grounds

As you can see, depression isn’t something that skips over our favorite celebrities and targets the everyday person. Instead, it’s an indiscriminate disease, and anyone can fall victim to it. However, the bravery of these seven incredibly powerful, bright, and loved celebrities — and the many more who have come forward about their depression — gives us hope.

It reminds us that we’re all human, and we’re all connected in one way or another. Sure, they may have a glamorous life, but we don’t know what’s hiding beneath the surface, behind the smiles they flash at the cameras. And if they’re not too proud to seek out help for their depression, then neither should we. Through their courage, we can all hope to walk the path of recovery… no matter who we are.