Spotlight on mental illness
DEALING with mental illness can be difficult, especially because of the stigma that is still prevalent in our society today. Though more people are aware of the existence of mental illness, not everyone understands it, which means that living with a mental illness can seem challenging and lonely.
However, people all around the world live with mental illness and it is possible to live a successful and fulfiling life with it. Here are a few famous women who openly talk about their personal journeys towards better psychological health and are examples of how anyone can overcome challenges and be empowered to take charge of their health and seek the help they need.
Demi Lovato – bipolar disorder
At 24 years old, singer and actor Demi Lovato is one of the youngest celebrities to come out about her struggles with mental illness. Lovato has suffered from bipolar disorder from an early age. She also had an eating disorder, selfharmed, abused drugs and alcohol, and was bullied before checking into a rehabilitation centre at age 18 for treatment. Lovato is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and political and legal support for better access to treatment. At the Democratic National Convention in June, she said, “Every one of us can make a difference by getting educated on this epidemic and its frightening statistics, and by breaking the stigma,” adding that she is “living proof that you can live a normal and empowered life with mental illness”.
Deepika Padukone – depression and anxiety
In March last year, Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, 30, made waves by writing candidly about living with depression and anxiety in an opinion piece for Indian newspaper Hindustan Times.
By openly discussing her condition, Padukone has done much to raise the profile of mental illness among young people in India.
In her article, Padukone revealed that she herself could not identify what she was feeling and, only after intervention from loved ones, was diagnosed after seeing two psychiatrists.
Calling for more support and understanding of mental illness in South Asian society, she wrote about misconceptions about her condition: “The most common reaction is, ‘ How can you be depressed? You have everything going for you. You are the supposed number one heroine and have a plush home, car, movies. What else do you want?’”
Olivia Munn – anxiety and trichotillomania
Actress, television host and author Olivia Munn, 36, suffers from an anxiety disorder that manifests itself as trichotillomania – where you rip out your own hair with your hands. Munn rips out her eyelashes when she feels anxious.
Munn’s anxiety affects her especially in social occasions, but she has said that she is now focused on expanding her career, making connections with people she works with, and surrounding herself with supportive and motivating people.
Carrie Fisher – bipolar disorder
Best known for her starring role in the epic Star Wars franchise, Carrie Fisher, 59, was inspired by her experiences with bipolar disorder and getting sober from an addiction to cocaine and prescription medication to write her bestselling memoir Postcards from the Edge, which was published in 1987 and subsequently made into a film in 1990.
The memoir and the film were revelatory of mental illness at the time and did much to dispel ignorance and stigma.
Fisher has openly spoken about being unashamed of living with mental illness, saying, “At times, being bipolar can be an allconsuming challenge, requiring a lot of stamina and even more courage, so if you’re living with this illness and functioning at all, it’s something to be proud of, not ashamed of.”