7 Of The Most Uplifting Things Celebrities Have Said About Living With Mental Illness

Anyone who’s every suffered a mental health issue, be it depression, anxiety, OCD or one of the many mental health concerns that are common today, will understand that knowing you’re not alone can be a huge comfort. Sometimes having someone who understands what you’re going through can make things seem just that little bit more bearable.

That’s why we love when a celebrity comes forward and speaks openly and candidly about their struggles with mental health. It can be a huge benefit to people facing similar problems.

Here are some of the most uplifting things we think celebrities have said about living with a mental illness.

Demi Lovato

“It’s my mission to share this with the world and to let them know that there is life on the other side of those dark times that seem so hopeless and helpless. I want to show the world that there is life – surprising, wonderful and unexpected life after diagnosis.”

Zoe Sugg AKA Zoella

“[Anxiety] is a mental illness, and nobody likes to use the word ‘mental illness.’ But it is. And it’s not something that people choose to have. I didn’t choose when I was 14 to decide to have panic attacks for nine years and for it to ruin loads of opportunities for me, but that’s just what happened. And you can either let it rule your life and let it make you miserable or you can just think, ‘No, I don’t want to live my life like that anymore.’”

Lady Gaga

“I learned that my sadness never destroyed what was great about me. You just have to go back to that greatness, find that one little light that’s left. I’m lucky I found one little glimmer stored away.”

Bressie

“The most interesting, creative, extraordinary people I know are people that deal with mental health concerns. It’s not a weakness, in fact, for years, I have used it as a strength to motivate and focus me in other aspects of my life.”

Catherine Zeta Jones

“This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them. If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it. There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help.”

J.K. Rowling

“I have never been remotely ashamed of having been depressed. Never. What’s to be ashamed of? I went through a really rough time and I am quite proud that I got out of that.”

Lena Dunham

“To those struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression: I know it’s mad annoying when people tell you to exercise, and it took me about 16 medicated years to listen. I’m glad I did. It ain’t about the ass, it’s about the brain.”

• Anxiety
• mental health
• wellness