Insights into the Mental Well-being of 11 Young Celebrities

From Megan Thee Stallion’s unfiltered openness in her new song “Cobra” and Selena Gomez’s steadfast dedication spanning her entire career— these celebrities are championing mental health awareness and dismantling stigma.

Megan Thee Stallion

“I’ve always been told I’ve got to be strong — thick skinned, stiff upper lip, tough as nails,” says Megan. “But to be everything for everybody? It wears on you.” Megan Thee Stallion depressed? You wouldn’t think so, but the release of her new single “Cobra” has everyone wondering about Megan Thee Stallion’s mental health.

In her latest track “Cobra,” the rapper recounts hitting “rock bottom” and shedding tears every night following the 2020 shooting incident, during which she was shot in the foot. In August, Canadian rapper Tory Lanez was sentenced to a 10-year prison term. This song marks Megan’s inaugural release as an independent artist, following a legal dispute with her former record label.

Addressing the traumatic incident, Megan’s lyrics unfold: “Every night I cried, I almost died. And nobody close tried to stop me… “At night, I’m sittin’ in a dark room thinkin’. “Probably why I always end up drinkin’. “Yes, I’m very depressed.” Her verses also delve into themes of mourning her deceased parents, grappling with anxiety, and dealing with issues of infidelity.

Billie Eilish

Since her debut in 2017, Billie Eilish has become a strong advocate for mental well being. Apart from expressing her inner struggles through her music, the experimental pop artist has been refreshingly open in interviews, discussing her battles with depression and body image issues. She has shared, “Depression has had a significant impact on my life. I’ve always had a somewhat melancholic nature.” This introspective quality is evident in much of her work, including the recent song “What Was I Made For,” which she co wrote with her brother Finneas O’Connell for a Barbie movie.

As Eilish matures as an artist, she continues to grapple with feelings of sadness and confront the darker aspects of fame. In an interview, when asked about the constant scrutiny she faces, Eilish responded honestly; “I’m starting to improve, but honestly speaking, things haven’t been going so well for me lately. I often feel this impending sense of doom throughout the day. When I dwell too much on it and realize that I can never have privacy again, it’s enough to make you consider doing all sorts of crazy things. But you have to learn to let go.”

Demi Lovato

“As a pop star, I can say, ‘Hey, I’ve got bipolar disorder — it’s nothing that anyone can be ashamed of,’” Demi has said. At 23 years old, Demi, a singer, grappled with challenges such as depression, substance abuse, and bipolar disorder. It wasn’t until her time in rehab that she received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Upon receiving the correct diagnosis, she felt a sense of relief, finally able to identify the root of her struggles and actively work toward a solution.

In the years since, Lovato has become an advocate for mental illness, inspiring fans with her song lyrics and her openness. Though she never expected to be an inspiration, Lovato has become a role model for many young women facing the same difficulties she once did.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez has openly discussed her ongoing struggles with mental health. Initially seeking treatment in 2014 following a lupus diagnosis, the singer has actively participated in voluntary programs to address anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Nine months after completing treatment in January 2018, it was reported that she was seeking “open-ended” mental health care. As the founder of Rare Beauty, Gomez utilizes her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, engaging in conversations with experts and addressing various issues through her projects.

Presently, she maintains a five-day-per-week schedule with a psychologist. She attributes significant positive changes in her life to dialectical behavior therapy, a form of treatment commonly employed for complex or persistent mental health conditions. This therapy includes tools like individual sessions, group therapy, and phone coaching.

Hailey Bieber

“I like to make jokes about how I feel because sometimes it’s easier than admitting I’m having a hard time,” she wrote in her Instagram Stories. “But truthfully since 2023 started I have had some of the saddest, hardest moments I’ve ever had in my adult life and my mind and emotions have been fragile to say the least. And I know so many other people feel the same way I feel, so just know you’re not alone.”

Using Instagram Stories, Hailey Bieber opened up about the struggles she’s faced so far this year in a series of vulnerable posts.

Sophie Turner

“I’ve suffered from depression for about five or six years.” she said to Dr Phil.

Sophie Turner has been forthright about her mental health journey, sharing that she faced an eating disorder during her tenure on Game of Thrones. Discussing her struggle in an interview, the actress revealed that her therapist moved in with her to aid in her recovery. Turner attributed her negative self-image partly to being in the public eye, highlighting social media as a particularly detrimental factor to her mental well-being. Despite progress, she continues to attend individual therapy sessions weekly, acknowledging ongoing challenges. Turner emphasized the impact of social media on her mental health, noting its association with both her eating disorder and overall well-being.

Dakota Johnson

“I’ve grappled with depression since my youth — since I was 15 or 14,” she remarked. “That was when, with the guidance of professionals, I realized, ‘Oh, this is something I can navigate.’ However, I’ve come to appreciate its beauty because it connects me with the world. I might have many intricacies, but I don’t impose them on others. I don’t make it someone else’s burden.”

Historically, Dakota has openly discussed facing challenges with depression and anxiety since her teenage years. She highlighted how, particularly during the pandemic, isolation intensified negative thoughts. Johnson also shared some strategies she relies on to improve her well-being, including meditation, taking walks, and “being kind to your body, your brain, and yourself.”