Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety—people often hear these words, probably from their friends, co-workers or even their family members. But there are still those who do not believe that these mental illnesses are serious and can lead to drastic results, even death.

As part of the Mental Health Awareness Month, several Celebrities have opened up about their personal experiences in dealing with mental health issues, particularly when they were young. Teenagers are specifically vulnerable to mental health problems as they are in the phase where they constantly compare themselves to their peers and strive for perfection.

As celebrities, they have a platform to raise awareness about mental problems and to help break the stigma surrounding it. Dwayne Johnson told The Star that if they were comfortable with it, it would be good for the celebrities to share what they have experienced.

Below are three celebrities who have opened up about their own bouts with mental health issues.

Prince Harry

Prince Harry, who recently tied the knot with actress Meghan Markle, revealed last year that he sought counseling after 20 years, following the death of his mother, Princess Diana. In an interview with The Telegraph, the prince talked about how he just shut down his emotions for two decades. He said that he was close to breakdowns on numerous occasions, even during royal engagements.

Finally, when he was 28, he sought professional help, and is now in a “good place.”

Ryan Reynolds

Some might not expect it from the seemingly happy and fun star, but “Deadpool” actor Ryan Reynolds also admitted that he struggles with an anxiety disorder.

He said he’s always been anxious about anything. “I’ve been to the depths of the darker end of the spectrum, which is not fun,” Reynolds told The New York Times. He also explained to the Associated Press during the “Deadpool 2” premiere that guys have the tendency to just bottle things up because of the stigma that they have to be masculine and tough.

However, talking about it is what will help them overcome such difficulties.

Mariah Carey

Singer Mariah Carey had been a subject of ridicule and late-night talk shows in the past. But most recently, she has been lauded for her bravery when she opened up about having a bipolar disorder. Being famous, it has been difficult for the star to battle the serious mental illness in public while performing.

She even had a near meltdown in 2016 during a New Year’s Eve performance. In an interview with People, she said that she was first diagnosed in 2001. She did not want to believe it and suffered in silence while in the limelight. After going through a couple of tough years, she finally sought professional treatment. For a long time, until recently, she lived in isolation and denial, and she feared that someone would expose her.

“It was too heavy a burden to carry and I simply couldn’t do that anymore,” she told People. “I sought and received treatment, I put positive people around me and I got back to doing what I love — writing songs and making music.” The singer-songwriter is still on medication and in therapy for bipolar II disorder.

Mariah added that these are really helping her, she is in a good place right now, and she is more comfortable talking about her struggles.

Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder—they are real. They are happening. If you have the platform to help raise awareness about them, use it, just like how these celebrities do.
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