Mental disorders have a large stigma in America, but by having celebs with a disorder who open up about their struggle, it has become more acceptable. When celebs with a disorder explain their situation to the public, they have become role models to others struggling with the same disorder. Here are some famous celebs that have a disorder and have opened up doors to others suffering from the same situations.
Not many people are aware, but one of the most famous celebs with a disorder is Michael Phelps. This Olympic medalist has been battling Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) since he was 9 years old. ADHD is a disorder that gives people a lot of energy and makes it hard for them to focus on tasks at hand. By having an outlet — swimming — that allowed him to focus, Phelps battled this disorder to become one of the most successful Olympians ever.
In 2001, Catherine Zeta Jones entered a mental hospital to battle her bipolar disorder, which is characterized by a cycle of depressive and manic episodes. She has publicized her disorder to help others suffering and show them that it is possible to control it. With the public knowledge of her bipolar disorder, Catherine Zeta Jones has helped to break the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder and become a role model to others suffering with the misunderstood disorder.
Among one of the many celebs with a disorder, Gwyneth Paltrow has opened about her battle with postpartum depression after the birth of her son in 2006. After her husband helped her realize that she was suffering, she learned how to cope with it. Paltrow has said that “you never totally get rid of it” but that talking about her struggle is part of the process of coping with it.
Elton John decided to take control of his disorders and enter rehab in 1990 to battle addiction and bulimia. In his hectic life, Elton John turned to drugs and bulimia but, eventually his disorders got out of control. After checking himself into rehab, he has remained clean and in control of his disorders and managed to maintain a healthy lifestyle ever since.
Kurt Cobain’s death was one of the most publicized deaths of the 90s but what many people do not know was that Kurt Cobain was suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and bipolar disorder. He was diagnosed at a young age and both disorders can be extremely hard to deal with. His high profile life made it difficult for him to keep up with treatment, which ultimately may have contributed to his death years later.
Another high profile celeb with a disorder is popular British movie actress Emma Thompson, who has battled depression for a good portion of her life. According to Thompson, it was hard for her to get out of bed, and she felt sad and hopeless most of the time. Her battle with depression has allowed others to come to terms with their battles with depression and get the help they need.
After a high profile breakdown, Demi Lovato has come clean about her battle with bipolar disorder. Along with dealing with an eating disorder, Demi Lovato entered rehab to help her in this struggle. By opening up about her disorders, Demi has become a role model to thousands of young girls going through similar situations. She has publicized the extreme stress of living in the limelight and how damaging it can be on young celebrities.
Have you had a similar situation to these celebs with a disorder? Do you know of any other celebs with a disorder? Do you think celebs opening up about their disorder is a positive thing?