Dispelling myths and dealing with
stigmas
I myself struggle for years with my own mental issues before discovering that I had a mental disorder. For most of my teens and early adulthood I just simply thought that I was different from everybody else, and the way I thought, and looked at things was just different from everybody else. But after being diagnosed with a mental illness it not only brought a better understanding into why I react to certain things in certain ways, it also showed me that I wasn’t alone in dealing with this, other people thought and reacted to things similarly to the ways I do. It showed me that there was a whole community of individuals out there that dealt with the same issues I do. Not only do people deal with it, there are many different treatments to help individuals cope with their symptoms and issues.
Many
people think that being diagnosed with a mental illness is a negative thing, like
the world will view them as weak or crazy. The diagnosis of a mental illness
doesn’t define you. You are an individual that suffers from a mental illness
not a mentally ill person. Meaning that the illness is a part of you but it is
not who you are. For example, I am very artistic, but my artistic side doesn’t
equal the whole of me. I am an artistic person, a father, a brother, a son, and
I think a good businessman, who suffers from a mental illness and all those
parts contribute to me as a whole. Some parts are more prominent than others
but all of them are a part of Tariq. Having a mental illness is nothing to be
ashamed of. I believe that educating the youth about mental health is needed
because not every case of mental illness is severe or debilitating. Only a
small percentage of mental health cases are violent. Not every mentally ill
person is going to shoot up a school or theater. Like I said there are a lot
more that are like you. You may be suffering from a mental illness and you may
not even know it.
I knew a guy that had lived in the inner – city most of his life and he ended up getting into trouble after high school and served some time. One day he shared with me that he suffered from nightmare and night terrors and he would wake up sweating and in a panic from his experience. If this individual had gotten a professional perspective on the matter, I believe through my own studies that he would have been diagnosed with PTSD. Now this guy was as tough as they come and really a product of the inner – city, and I believe that he was suffering from a mental illness. To me that is a pure example that mental illness can effect anyone no matter how tough you are, what color you are, what age, shape, or financial background. A lot of times in the inner – city you will hear that those are suburban or rich people problems but the reality is that anybody can suffer through these conditions and it may be worst in the inner – cities because of these types of attitudes.
I knew a guy that had lived in the inner – city most of his life and he ended up getting into trouble after high school and served some time. One day he shared with me that he suffered from nightmare and night terrors and he would wake up sweating and in a panic from his experience. If this individual had gotten a professional perspective on the matter, I believe through my own studies that he would have been diagnosed with PTSD. Now this guy was as tough as they come and really a product of the inner – city, and I believe that he was suffering from a mental illness. To me that is a pure example that mental illness can effect anyone no matter how tough you are, what color you are, what age, shape, or financial background. A lot of times in the inner – city you will hear that those are suburban or rich people problems but the reality is that anybody can suffer through these conditions and it may be worst in the inner – cities because of these types of attitudes.
The following is a list of
famous individuals that have dealt with
mental illness
The Disney star checked into rehab
in 2010 for "emotional and physical issues" including bulimia,
cutting, and bipolar disorder. "I had no idea that I was even bipolar
until I went into treatment," she revealed in 2011. "I was conquering
the world, but then I would come crashing down, and I would be more depressed
than ever."
Demi Lovato suffered from several
different disorders including bulimia, anorexia, and bipolar disorder. Her song
“Skyscraper” was written to explain her past and help her move on from it.
After checking into rehab, Demi is said to be better.
Rene Russo
The veteran actor/director opened
up about his struggle with depression after starring in the 2011 movie The
Beaver, about a depressed toy company CEO. Though he told Deadline
his depression had never been "really severe," he admitted to having
some "low" moments. "Of course [I've battled it]," he said.
"I think the majority of people do."
The Oscar winner first revealed her
bipolar II diagnosis in 2011, when she checked into a mental health facility
for treatment. (She was also treated in April 2013.) Speaking about her
struggles in 2012, she said she "never wanted to be the poster child"
for the disorder and was just trying to handle the situation gracefully.
Carrie Fisher
The Star Wars star and
best-selling author has talked and written at length about her ongoing struggle
with bipolar disorder, most notably in the memoirs Wishful Drinking and Shockaholic.
"I thought if I could ever get this to be funny, it would be
brilliant," she has said of her mental health struggle. "But it took
a really long time. My life dealing with the bipolar situation was far from
funny."
Emma Thompson
The Oscar-winning Brit has admitted
to suffering bouts of clinical depression at various times throughout her life.
In 2010, she announced that she was taking a sabbatical to focus on her own
well-being. "I find the job I do emotionally very demanding," she said
in a statement. "I suffer from occasional mild depression, which I think
is a very common thing."
Paula Deen
After losing her dad when she was
19, Deen, the bubbly Southern chef, started having panic attacks and anxiety
issues that later led to a 20-year bout with depression and agoraphobia.
"Some days I could get to the supermarket, but I could never go too far
inside. I learned to cook with the ingredients they kept close to the
door," she told the New York Times in 2007.
Brooke Shields
After the 2003 birth of her
daughter Rowan, the actress suffered a serious bout of postpartum depression
for which she was later medicated. In her darkest moments, she considered
suicide. "[I believed] I should not exist. The baby would be better off
without me. Life was never going to get better — so I better just go," she
said while accepting an advocacy award from the Hope for Depression Research
Foundation. "Finally I did fight. I survived."
Jim Carrey
The Eternal Sunshine of the
Spotless Mind actor has said he took Prozac "for a long time"
while battling depression. "It may have helped me out of a jam for a
little bit, but people stay on it forever. I had to get off at a certain point
because I realized that, you know, everything's just okay," he told CBS
News in 2009. "There are peaks, there are valleys. But they're all kind of
carved and smoothed out, and it feels like a low level of despair you live
in."
Funny man Carrey admitted to dealing with and beating
depression in an interview with 60 Minutes back in 2004. His method to combat
the disease was spirituality – once he got off Prozac (which certainly helped
him out for a while), he simply realized that ‘things are OK’ and life is
indeed beautiful. He now rarely drinks coffee, and is adamantly off all drugs
and alcohol.
Zach Braff
The Scrubs star told Parade
magazine in 2007 that he felt a kinship to his somewhat melancholy character in
Garden State (which he wrote and directed). "I think I suffer from
some mild depression," he explained. "So to have millions of people
go, 'I watched your movie and related,' was the ultimate affirmation that I'm
not a freak."
Sheryl Crow
The "If It Makes You
Happy" rocker is in a good place now, but several years ago, she suffered
a debilitating bout of depression that lasted six months. "During some of
those darkest days, I'd hardly get out of bed and just the phone ring and
ring," she explained in 2003. "Small problems became insurmountable,
and so I shied away from normal behavior. It seemed easier to duck out of life
that way...It was a very bizarre, exhausting, and dark time."
Pete Wentz
In an interview with Playboy
in 2008, the Fall Out Boy musician said his battle with depression had brought
him close to death — on more than one occasion. "The list of drugs I've
been prescribed would read like a grocery list," he explained of his
mental health struggles. Once, he noted, he "took a handful of
Ativan," though he insists he wasn't thinking of killing himself.
"I've never really called it a suicide attempt," he said. "I
just wanted my head to be completely turned off."
Jean-Claude Van Damme
The action star opened up about his
bipolar disorder on the 2011 British reality show Behind Closed Doors,
explaining his diagnosis 13 years earlier. "Sometimes you're gonna like
me, and sometimes you're gonna hate me. But what can I do? I'm not
perfect," he said. "I'm an extreme bipolar, and I'm taking medication
for this...When I was young, I was suffering those swing moods. In the morning,
the sky was blue [when I was] going to school, and to me, the sky was black. I
was so sad."
Bryce Dallas Howard
Ron Howard's actress daughter has
been open about her struggle with postpartum depression following the February
2007 birth of her son, Theodore. "It went untreated for 18 months, because
I was just so ashamed and frightened," she told Us Weekly in 2013
of that time in her life. "I didn't know what it meant and didn't know
what happened to me...You can't raise kids alone, you can't heal alone — you
really need a community."
Jon Hamm
The Mad Men star had a lot
of dark days after losing his father at age 20. "I was...unmoored by
that," he told The Observer in 2010 of his dad's death. "I
struggled with chronic depression. I was in bad shape." Therapy and
antidepressants helped to pull him out and give him "another
perspective." "You can change your brain chemistry enough to think,
'I want to get up in the morning, I don't want to sleep until four in the
afternoon,'" he explained. "Reset the auto-meter, kick-start the
engine!"
Ashley Judd
Judd wrote about her struggle with
depression in the autobiography All That Is Bitter & Sweet, which
also details her abusive childhood. She sought help for her troubles in 2006 by
checking into the Shades of Hope Treatment Center in Texas. "I was sick
and tired of being sick and tired, and I just didn't know what was wrong with
me," she said on the TODAY show. " I looked really good on the
outside, and I had a lot of anxiety, insomnia...I needed to find a power
greater than myself..."
Halle Berry
The actress told Parade
magazine in 2007 that she had tried to commit suicide after her 1997 split from
baseball player David Justice. "I was sitting in my car, and I knew the
gas was coming when I had an image of my mother finding me," she said.
That image saved her life. "She sacrificed so much for her children, and
to end my life would be an incredibly selfish thing to do...My sense of worth
was so low. I promised myself I would never be a coward again."
Woody Allen
Filmmaker and comedic actor Woody Allen has been fighting depression for
30 years. His therapeutic humour is a common theme throughout many of his
films, and he’s been undergoing psychoanalysis for the past three decades to
help manage his depression. He switched to clinical therapy, but then decided
to cut all treatment after his marriage to his sixth wife.
Drew Carey
Drew Carey is probably best known from both
his sitcom The Drew Carey Show, and his hosting duties on Whose Line
Is It Anyway? but he isn’t always the cheery bloke we see on screen. In
1997, he released an autobiography where he let the world know about his
personal trials and tribulations – including his father’s death when he was
eight years old, that he was once molested, and his bouts of depression and two
failed suicide attempts via a sleeping pill overdose.
Louie C.K.
One of the better-known members of
this list, comedian Louie C.K. has suffered from a lighter form of depression –
his in-depth awareness of the realities of being human, of society as we know
it today. He’s said many times “No, I’ve never been suicidal, but I’ve wanted
to be.” Throughout the 1990s, he had a four-year stretch of bad luck where he
went broke, had a serious motorcycle accident and he got screwed when making
Pootie Tang with Chris Rock. He says “It never stopped getting
worse. I remember thinking, This is too much for me to handle. I wanted to give
up. I knew it was my right to. But then a few minutes would go by and I’d
realize, I’m still here. In other words, there was no escape from it. And I’d
be a little disappointed at not being truly suicidal. I hated being ‘all
right.’ ”
Rodney Dangerfield
Our younger readers may not be so
familiar with Mr. Dangerfield but the man born Jacob Cohen was a comedian and
actor in the 1980s, best known for his roles in Caddyshack and Back
To School. He was the guy who came up with the famous ‘I get no respect’
catchphrase. Anyway, in 1997 he admitted to a lifelong fight with depression,
and ended up seeking psychiatric help.
Larry David
The Seinfeld and Curb
Your Enthusiasm creator first encountered depression in the 1970s when he
was in the National Guard, claiming, “If I hadn’t been so strapped for cash, I
would’ve sought the aid of a psychiatrist.” In 1972, he was living with his
parents, unemployed with no girlfriend and broke. It was during this time of
depression that he found his true calling – turning a situation inside out then
laughing at it, something that was key to his future creations.
Ellen DeGeneres
Today Ellen is one of the lucky few known the
world over by one single name, yet she’s had some extremely difficult times in
her travels. Anyone remember her sitcom in the 1990s? Well in 1997 both Ellen
and her character came out, which unfortunately lead to a public ‘fall from
grace’, which wasn’t helped by her KimYe style relationship with actress Anne Heche. The episode left her without work
for three years and completely depressed. Clearly she was able to get herself
out of it, as she now has an exceptionally popular show that has garnered her
15 Emmys
Bill Hicks
Hicks passed away in 1994 from
cancer, but he had suffered from depression in his 20s. Fellow comic and close
friend John Farneti felt it may have stemmed from his drug and alcohol abuse,
but also from a deep insecurity that if he appreciated anything, it was taken
away from it. Hicks once said, “I get depressed, you think I don’t? You think
I’m wearing black in the summertime cuz I’m a fucking ray of sunshine, dude?”
David Letterman
The Late Show host has had a
remarkable career in television, though he has serious regrets about not having
a family earlier due to his intense focus on his work – he has a young son but
he wishes he had a daughter as well. This was partially a cause of his depression,
which mainly stemmed from his quintuple bypass surgery in 2000. Three years
after the operation, Letterman was taking medication for a
bout of shingles and said of his depression “It’s different than feeling sad,
it’s different than feeling blue. It’s the world with 20/20 vision.”
Conan O’Brien
Back in early 2010, O’Brien lost his dream job as the host of
The Tonight Show to Jay Leno, a soul-crushing hurdle that
kick-started his depression. He went out on tour over the summer of that year,
but when he came home, the darkness really settled in. He was driving his wife
crazy around the house, but as we already know, the story has a happier ending
with Conan getting a new show and sorting himself out.
Sarah Silverman
Ms. Silverman is one of the most successful comedians
around today, and just like most of her contemporaries, she plunged into
depression during her high school years. On top of her own woes, her therapist
hung herself, devastating the young, fragile girl. She says “It happened as
fast as a cloud covering the sun. It was at once devastatingly real and
terrifyingly intangible. I felt helpless, but not in the familiar bedwetting
sense. As quickly and casually as someone catches the flu, I caught depression,
and it would last for the next three years.”
David Walliams
Little Britain star David Walliams recently revealed in his
autobiography that he has attempted suicide three times over his life due to
depression – once at 12 years old when he was bullied at a Sea Scouts camp;
another hanging attempt in 2003 after a break up; and he slit his wrists on New
Years Day again in 2003, the same year that Little Britain hit TV
screens. He says that depression has “blighted my adult life”, but his wife
Lara Stone has helped him get through it all, though his irrational fear of
being alone still haunts him.
Robin Williams
Robin Williams is actually bipolar,
and although he hasn’t publicly spoken about being depressed, analysts suggest
that manic depression was the driving force behind many of his movie
performances. One writer suggests he suffered from depression after a break-up
(a common theme here), another believes it was when he was dropped from
Julliard, while another feels it came when the Bush Administration didn’t
legalize abortion.
Owen Wilson
Folks may remember Owen Wilson’s much talked about suicide
attempt back in 2007, when he slit his wrists at his home in Santa Monica. Some
of his demons include a drug addiction, though Wilson’s episode came as a
surprise to those close to him. One friend called it “the most out-of-character
thing”, while another said “Owen is fun, kind and caring. [But] it’s like he
has a little John Belushi in him. He has demons; on some level, he’s managed them
for years.”
Chris Brown
Earlier this year, R&B
star Chris Brown was diagnosed bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress
disorder, E! News reported.
On February 28, 2014, E! News
obtained the singer’s probation officer’s report that included a letter from a
residential treatment facility attributing Brown’s aggression and legal
troubles to mental health issues. The statement below reads:
Lark Voorhies
In 2012, former Saved By The
Bell star Lark Voorhies’ mother announced that her daughter is
“mentally ill.”
During an interview with People magazine,
Voorhies’ mother, Tricia, said that her daughter was battling bipolar
disorder, which causes severe mood swings between mania and depression. “There
are things that have traumatized her, Tricia said. “I care deeply about my
daughter and I want her to resume her life.”
Metta World Peace
Basketball star Metta World Peace
has also been diagnosed with a mental illness and has decided to help others
who suffer from similar conditions.
The Los Angeles Times
reports: “World Peace sat recently in a room at Resnick Neuropsychiatric
Hospital at UCLA before 13 adults who suffer various mental health disorders. A
half-hour later, he gathered with 23 kids with similar issues. World Peace
provided them with a simple message: I’m facing the same problems you
have. ‘I’m still learning about myself,’ he said. ‘This actually helps me
in telling my story so I can continuously improve myself, stay mentally
stronger and not let stuff bother me as much as it used to when I was younger.
I still make mistakes.'”
Nina Simone
Legendary jazz singer and civil
rights activist Nina Simone was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the late
1980s.
Nadine Cohodas, author of Princess
Noire: The Tumultuous Reign of Nina Simone (2012), touches
on Simone’s behavior and bipolar symptoms. The 2004 book, Nina Simone:
Break Down and Let It All Out, written by Sylvia Hampton and David
Nathan, was the first to reveal Simone’s battle with mental illness. The
authors describe Simone’s behavior under the condition:
“Nina Simone had a reputation in
the music industry for being volatile and sometimes difficult to deal with, a
characterization with which she strenuously took issue. In 1995, she shot and
wounded her neighbor’s son with a pneumatic pistol after his laughter disturbed
her concentration. She also fired a gun at a record company executive whom she
accused of stealing royalties. It is now recognized that this ‘difficulty’
was the result of bipolar disorder. Simone reluctantly took medication for her
condition from the mid-1960s on. All this was only known to a small group of
intimates, and kept out of public view for many years.”
Macy Gray
In a 2007 interview, singer Macy
Gray was asked if she was ever diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she told the
U.K.’s Daily Mail, “I used to be on medication, but I am not anymore, so
if I was bipolar, I guess I am cured.”
In 2010, Gray spoke about how it
feels to have the mental illness. In an interview she was asked to
complete the sentence, “Being famous feels like …” Gray replied: “It feels
bipolar. It just has very extreme ups and downs. It’s one thing and then
another, and they’re always opposite.”
Delonte West
In 2012, former NBA player Delonte
West did not accompany his Dallas Mavericks teammates when they visited the
White House for a celebration of their victory against the Miami Heat.
West claimed he couldn’t go because
he had a prior gun charge that caused him to be banned by the White House
security team.
However, sources say West skipped
the event because of his battle with bipolar disorder, which at the time left
him experiencing wild mood swings and grandiose thoughts.
Jenifer Lewis
In a May 2005 interview, “Think
Like A Man” actress Jenifer Lewis discussed her plight with bipolar
disorder. Ever since, she has been willing to talk about the mental illness.
Since she was diagnosed in 1990,
Lewis said she tried various therapies and medications. But she said she found
that the key to coping with the disorder is to love yourself.
DMX
In 2012, DMX opened up to
television talk show host “Dr. Phil” in an interview about the rapper’s
struggle with mental illness.
During the interview, DMX revealed
that he suffers from bipolar disorder. “I used to be really clear on who
was what and what characteristics each personality had. But I don’t know at
this point. I’m not even sure there is a difference,” he continued. “I’m Earl
when I’m with my children. I miss my children, I miss my children, I miss my
children.”
Jesse Jackson Jr.
In 2012, Illinois congressman Jesse
Jackson Jr. took an abrupt leave of absence from his office.
Later that year in August, a
spokesperson for Jackson released a statement that the congressman was undergoing
treatment for bipolar II with severe bouts of depression.
According to sources, Jackson was
in a debilitating state, but made promising strides after receiving treatment
from Mayo Clinic.
Russell Brand
The comedian has bipolar disorder
Ray Lucas
The former NFL player suffers with depression and a former addiction to
painkillers.
Ricky Williams
The former NFL star has a social anxiety disorder
Michael Phelps
Olympic swimmer has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Herschel Walker
Former NFL player has dissociative identity disorder.
Amanda Bynes
The actress was diagnosed with schizophrenia in August 2013
Amy Winehouse
The late singer suffered with bipolar disorder before her death
Brandon Marshall
NFL star Brandon Marshall has Borderline Personality Disorder.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
The Rock just recently revealed that he fell into a deep depression after
he failed to make it in the NFL – which led to a series of personal setbacks.
Heath Ledger
Heath Ledger is another one of
those actors that we lost too soon. He accidentally overdosed on several
different drugs after supposedly suffering from insomnia. After he died, many
reported that Heath suffered from depression after breaking up with actress
Michelle Williams
Kanye West
After his mom unexpectedly died
during surgery and his wedding was canceled, Kanye went into a deep depression.
Despite these tough times, Kanye kept his eyes on the prize and returned to
fame very quickly. Nowadays he seems like he’s on top of the world with his new
girlfriend, Kim K.
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson apparently went
through a bout with anxiety as well as depression in 1997. When she released
her album “The Velvet Rope,” many of the songs clearly portrayed her internal struggles.
Despite the surprising death of her brother and weight issues, Janet seems to
be doing just fine.
Alicia Keys
Despite being a Grammy winner and
earning plenty of success, Alicia Keys went through two years of depression.
Her third album, “As I Am” was written during her time of hardship. Alicia has
admitted that her depression allowed her to write even better and more
meaningful songs.
Winona Ryder
Better known as Johnny Depp’s ex,
Winona Ryder dealt with anxiety attacks, depression, and alcohol abuse after
the relationship ended. She soon found herself in a mental institution and
working with a private therapist to work out her internal issues. She claimed
that working on the movie Girl, Interrupted was extremely personal for
her.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams is best and
happiest when she’s on the tennis court, but when she was injured and couldn’t
play, she became extremely depressed. Being sidelined and unable to do
something you love to do can definitely cause one to become down and out, but
Serena’s health scare due to a pulmonary embolism was much more important to
deal with. Now that she’s back on the court, she’s happy as can be.
T.I.
When T.I.’s friend Philant Johnson
was killed in 2006, he became extremely depressed and even paranoid. After an
interview on Larry King, T.I. admitted that his emotions are what led him to
prison due to poor judgement and a lack of consideration. T.I. now insists that
he’s no longer a gangster.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Many would say that giving birth
and becoming a mom is a time of joy and pure happiness, but that wasn’t so for
Gwyneth Paltrow, who suffered from post-partum depression. She explained that
she couldn’t understand or control her emotions and didn’t think she suffered
from the disorder until her husband mentioned it. Nowadays Gwyneth is a happy
mom.
Audra McDonald
Six-time
Tony winner Audra McDonald told ABC News that she has
battled depression and even attempted suicide when she was in college
at the prestigious performing arts school Juilliard. She tried to slit her
wrists and credits the school for helping her get the psychological help that
she needed.
Don Cornelius
In 2012, Legendary Soul Train
creator Don
Cornelius died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It was believed that he
was suffering from deep depression that may have been sparked from his divorce
from his wife.
Fantasia Barrino
In 2009, American Idol winner Fantasia tried to kill
herself after her tultumtous relationship with her married boyfriend Antwaune
Cook. She was hospitalized after attempting to overdose on aspirin and sleeping
pills.
Paris Jackson
In 2013, Paris Jackson,
daughter of legend Michael Jackson, was
hospitalized after slicing her wrists and trying to overdose on Motrin.
While it's not known what the source of her issues were, it's speculated that
her family and them fighting over custody of her and her siblings may have
sparked it.
Michelle Williams
In 2013, former Destiny’s Child
singer Michelle
Williams opened up about suffering from depression
as a teen. Williams didn’t take meds for help, but credits therapy, exercise
and positive thinking to overcoming this mental health illness. Williams
told Rolling Out Magazine that she hopes that sharing her story will
help others to seek the help that they need.
Mariah Carey
While Mariah Carey calls the
media attention to her emotional meltdown in 2001 “overblown,” the Grammy-winning
singer was hospitalized and then moved to another facility. Carey states that
her incident was a mixture of emotional and physical issues, including
exhaustion and being overworked.
Lee Thompson Young
The suicide of TNT's Rizzoli
& Isles Lee
Thompson Young last summer was another reminder
that the mental health of Black men can no longer be ignored. Young
suffered from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention says suicide is the third cause of death among
African-American males between ages 15 and 24, behind homicide and accidents.
Peter Green
British guitarist Peter Green became famous for his signature sound
and as a founding member of Fleetwood Mac, making nearly every list
of the world’s best guitarists. In the 1970s, he was diagnosed as a
schizophrenic and underwent therapy. Following some violent episodes and time
in psychiatric hospitals, he was a recluse for years while dealing with his
illness. He still plays guitar for live performances today
Lionel Aldridge
Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi rarely started rookies, but he took
a chance with Lionel Aldridge in 1963. It paid off as Aldridge helped
the Green Bay Packers win two Super Bowls. After ten years in the NFL,
Aldridge retired before he developed schizophrenia in the late 1970s. For
years, Aldridge was homeless in Milwaukee before reaching a balance with his
condition. He later became an advocate for the homeless and mentally ill. He
died in 1998.
Jim Gordon
Jim Gordon was THE
drummer during rock ‘n’ roll’s golden years: the 1960s and 1970s. Nearly
everyone from Muppet master Jim Henson to guitar god Eric
Clapton wanted him performing percussion for their music. Gordon's musical
influence stretched from the hard rock of Alice Cooper to the surfing
sounds of the Beach Boys. In the late ‘70s, Gordon began hearing voices from
paranoid schizophrenia, but doctors failed to give him a proper diagnosis. In
1983, Gordon killed his mother. He currently remains imprisoned.
Brian Wilson
As former leader of the Beach Boys, Grammy Award-winning singer Brian
Wilson became one of Rolling Stone’s 100 greatest singers of all
time. However, Wilson had numerous mental problems, including schizoaffective
disorder that caused him to suffer from delusions similar to schizophrenia.
There are many theories regarding the cause of his problems, including drug
abuse and a stroke. Luckily, Wilson gained control over his problems and he
continues to perform to this day.
Many people in history displayed behavior that could be confused as
schizophrenia. Here are two people who are often included in lists of famous
schizophrenics but were never officially diagnosed:
- Mary Todd Lincoln: The former First Lady suffered from outbursts and sporadic erratic behavior. It worsened after her husband, Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated.
- Syd Barrett: As a founding member of Pink Floyd, the late Barrett left the band in 1968 among rumors of mental illness and drug use.
He regaled us with such
hits as “Where is the Love?,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” the holiday staple “This
Christmas,” and of course the deeply reflective, ultra-soulful “Song For You.”
But underneath the powerfully emotional voice of Donny Hathaway was a man who was fighting a tremendous battle that
ultimately caused him to end his own life.
Twisted
Melodies seeks to peel back the
layers of a musical genius who was tortured by the mental anguish of paranoid schizophrenia.
In Donny Hathaway’s case, he suffered
from delusions of persecution believing that “white people were
trying to steal his sound.” His stability was further diminished by the fact
the he inconsistently took the medication that would have helped manage his
symptoms.
Jack Kerouac
The famous author of
the American classic “On the Road” spent a brief time in the U.S. military. A
Navy doctor determined he had “dementia praecox,” today known as
schizophrenia. His enlistment lasted just 10 months and Kerouac left the
military to begin his career as one of the greatest writers of the
Beat Generation. Upon his discharge, the diagnosis was changed. It
was then noted that he might display some “schizoid tendencies.”
Zelda Fitzgerald
Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of the
famous author of “The Great Gatsby,” was known to go into fits of paranoia,
especially regarding her husband’s alleged unfaithfulness. In 1930, she was
diagnosed with schizophrenia
Buddy Bolden
Buddy Bolden was a highly regarded
jazz musician in the early 1900s. He was said by many to be one of the creators
of ragtime music. In 1907, Bolden was diagnosed with dementia praecox, known
today as schizophrenia
Vincent van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh (1853–1890) lived
in a time when schizophrenia had not yet been identified as a disorder, but
many medical professionals today believe the famous artist and painter suffered
from it. His unstable moods and eccentric personality led 150
doctors to venture diagnoses. He had recurring psychotic episodes
in the last two years of his phenomenal life, and at age 37,
committed suicide.
Darrell Hammond
Hammond was a Saturday Night Live
cast member from 1995 to 2009, making him one of the longest-standing actors
in the show. Hammond revealed on a 2011 CNN interview that his mother had
abused him as a child. Some people speculate this could have triggered his
schizophrenia later in life. He is most famous for his hilarious impersonations
of President Bill Clinton.
Wesley Willis
Wesley Willis was a
singer-songwriter and visual artist who appeared on MTV and on The Howard Stern
Show. Willis was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1989, but it was after his
diagnosis that his career took off. The artist gained a cult following
that loved his strange and funny lyrics, inspired or fueled,
perhaps, by his disorder. Famous for greeting fans with a head butt, he
was diagnosed with chronic leukemia. He died in 2003 at age 40.
Veronica Lake
Veronica Lake was a famous film
noir actress in the 1940s and is well known for her role in the film
“Sullivan’s Travels.” Lake was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a child and was
known for some dramatic and even violent outbursts in adulthood
Famous People With Schizophrenia: List
of Schizophrenic Celebrities
There are many famous people
throughout history that have been verified as having schizophrenia. We either
found out from their personal public statements or reported diagnoses that were
shared with the public following their death. The fact that famous people and
celebrities have had to deal with a severe debilitating mental illness such as
schizophrenia shows that it can affect anyone – regardless of social standing
or financial earnings.
Obviously there are certain sub-types
of schizophrenia that are more debilitating than others, but in general the
degree to which a person is able to cope depends on individual circumstances.
Below is a list of famous people that have been documented as having
schizophrenia. If you have schizophrenia, this list can help you understand
that you’re not alone and that plenty of other individuals before you have
lived with it – some of which happened to be famous.
This shows that regardless of your
mental illness, you can be a successful, productive member of society. Compared
to other mental disorders, there are considerably fewer people with
schizophrenia simply because it is a rare condition – only affecting roughly 1%
of the population. Most people that are diagnosed tend to be between ages 18
and 30 – which is typically too young to become famous. It is still
unknown what
causes schizophrenia, but researchers suggest a number of genetic,
environmental, and social factors play a role in increasing risk.
Bottom line: Schizophrenia can
affect anyone, regardless of celebrity status
This list should demonstrate that
schizophrenia can affect anyone – regardless of age, social status, and talent.
Some of the most talented individuals can eventually go on to develop this
debilitating mental illness. There are a variety of factors and hypotheses
regarding what
causes schizophrenia. Hopefully over time we can work towards finding more
effective treatment options for people with this condition and eliminate the
taxing social stigma associated with it. Although it only affects roughly 1% of
the U.S. population, it is important to raise awareness.
You may think that the terms, schizophrenia and famous people, do not belong together, but
think again. A number of famous people with schizophrenia have gone public with
their illness in an effort to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness. Their courageous
choice to speak openly about the challenges they face with schizophrenia helps
others feel less alone in their struggles, reducing stigma and shame.
Celebrities With Schizophrenia – Coming Out to
Help Others
You won’t hear too much about celebrities and schizophrenia in the
mainstream news simply because the disorder generally presents during a
person’s late teens and twenties. Most celebrities and other people of note gain
their notoriety during these youthful years. Those with schizophrenia spend
these years dealing with the challenges of the illness rather than pursuing
stardom.
Adèle Hugo – This was the
daughter of renowned French writer Victor Hugo. Her story and battle with
schizophrenia is documented in the film “The Story of Adele H.” She lived in an
upscale mental institution outside of Paris, France until her death. The
illness also was found in other members of the Hugo family, but is less
documented. It has been noted that Victor Hugo’s brother Eugène also had
schizophrenia. Much of what we know regarding her life can be derived from her
personal diaries and letters.
Alan Alda’s Mother – You may
know Alan Alda from the highly popularized TV series “M*A*S*H.” He has
discussed that his mother suffered from paranoid schizophrenia. He said that
his mother having the illness was extremely embarrassing for him.
Alexander “Skip” Spence –
The Canadian-born American musician and singer-songwriter suffered from schizophrenia.
He was the co-founder of the group Moby Grape and played guitar for the group
until 1969. He was also the drummer for Jefferson Airplane on their debut
album.
Andy Goram – He is a former
professional Scottish football (soccer) goalkeeper. He played for Oldham
Athletic and Hibernian. He is widely remembered for starting for Rangers during
the 1990s and was often referred to as “The Goalie.” In the early 2000s, he was
regarded by a fan poll as the greatest Rangers goalie of all-time. Goram is
well known for having suffered from a mild case of schizophrenia.
Antoin Artaud – Well known
French playwright, poet, actor, and director of theatre was documented as
having schizophrenia. The remaining years of his life was spent in different
asylums and psychiatric hospitals. Doctors tried to use electroshock therapy
for his condition, but it didn’t work as expected. He is also described as
having a psychotic break later in his life and schizotypal personality
features.
Ash Lieb – The famous
artist, comedian, and writer suffered from schizophrenia. At one point he went
through a tough life in the streets and was actually homeless. Eventually he
was able to round up enough money to treat his condition with proper
medication. He described his art as a primary outlet for his mental illness.
Bettie Page – This pinup
model was documented as having a nervous breakdown as well as short-lasting
schizophrenia. In other words, she was formally diagnosed by doctors as having
this condition, but was able to bounce back to normal functioning. She spent 20
months in a mental hospital in California and eventually was released.
Bob Mosley – The rocker Bob
Mosley is known as the bass player and one of the premier songwriters for the
band Moby Grape. He had also developed a solo music career and had a wide
following. His band member (already mentioned) “Skip Spence” also suffered from
schizophrenia. Unlike Skip Spence, Mosley was able to tough out his form of
schizophrenia and continued to create music with his condition.
Buddy Bolden – Charles
Joseph “Buddy” Bolden was a famous cornet player and served as a key individual
in the development of “rag time” and jazz music of New Orleans. He was known as
“King Bolden” because he was a pioneer of jazz music and his band was among the
elites in New Orleans. In 1907 he became incapacitated by his schizophrenia and
was unable to perform. He was admitted to the Louisiana State Insane Asylum
where he spent the remainder of his life.
Brian Wilson – A former
member of the wildly famous group The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson was regarded as
one of the greatest singers of all time. Throughout his life he had various
mental illnesses – some suggested that he had schizophrenia. He had minor
delusions and most suggest that he may have had schizoaffective disorder.
Eventually he regained control over his mental illness and continues to perform
music.
Camille Claudel – A famous
French sculptor and artist of the 19th century, Camille Claudel was said to
have exhibited signs of paranoid schizophrenia. Eventually she was diagnosed as
having schizophrenia and she went on to destroy many of her statues. She
accused others of leading a conspiracy to kill her – this was one of her
delusions. She was older sister of poet and diplomatic leader Paul Claudel.
Clara Bow – Hollywood
actress of the 1920s Clara Gordon Bow was a superstar. She starred in the film
“It” and was nicknamed “The It Girl.” She was a leading sex symbol of her time
and an iconic figure of 1920s Hollywood. She appeared in over 40 films. Near
the end of her career she was considered “delusional” and diagnosed with
schizophrenia because she experienced “pains” that had no medical foundation.
There is some debate as to whether her diagnosis was by an incompetent doctor
due to the fact that she experienced no hallucinations. Bow rejected the notion
that she was schizophrenic and appeared to function normally – just behaved
oddly.
Daniel Johnston – The
singer, songwriter, musician, and artist was diagnosed with schizophrenia and
manic depression. He was the subject of “The Devil and Daniel Johnston” – a
documentary.
Darrell Hammond – He was a
comedian, actor, and stand-up comedian. He is widely regarded as a regular
comedian on SNL (Saturday Night Live) and served on the show for 14 years –
longest of any cast member. He has made more SNL appearances than any other
member and has done impersonations of over 100 celebrities – Bill Clinton was
his most well known. In a 2011 interview with CNN, he confessed that he was
victim to extensive childhood abuse and traumatized. He was involved in
cutting, was hospitalized, and had been diagnosed with both bipolar disorder
and schizophrenia. He says that he was medicated during his entire career on
Saturday Night Live and used to cut himself backstage.
Eduard Einstein – Albert
Einstein’s son suffered from schizophrenia. He was diagnosed at the age of 25.
After onset of his illness, he told his father that he hated him. Albert never
saw Eduard for the rest of his life. Prior to his illness he was said to have
been a great student and very musically talented. He struggled with his mental
illness for the remainder of his life and ended up dying of a stroke at age 55.
Elyn Saks – Elyn Saks is a
high functioning individual with schizophrenia. She is a Professor of Law, Psychology,
Psychiatry, and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California
Gould Law School. She is involved in much research and has written a
best-selling autobiography. Not only does she battle schizophrenia, she also is
a cancer survivor. She had her first full blown episode of schizophrenia when
she attended college. Her mission is to show people that they can still lead a
successful life despite this diagnosis.
Gene Tierney – American
stage and film actress Gene Tierney is said to have suffered from
schizophrenia. She was known for her role in the movie “Laura” (1944) and had
been nominated for an academy award for her role in the movie “Leave Her to
Heaven” in 1945.
Jack Kerouac – Novelist,
poet, and writer, Jack Kerouac suffered from schizophrenia. He is considered
one of the most prominent figures of the Beat Generation. His military records
showed that he was diagnosed with “dementia praecox” – an old term that used to
mean the same thing as modern day “schizophrenia.” He was deemed “unsuitable”
for the navy and was enlisted for an extremely short duration.
Jeremy Oxley – Australian
singer, song-writer, and guitarist well known for his work with the band The
Sunnyboys suffers from schizophrenia. The band broke up in 1984 due to conflict
within, but it was later revealed that Oxley was struggling with schizophrenia.
He eventually went on to form The Chinless Elite and they released many cover
records.
Jim Gordon (James Beck Gordon)
– Many consider him one of the greatest drummers of all time during the golden
years of rock N’ roll (1960s – 1970s). He was an American recording artist,
musician, and songwriter. He is a Grammy Award winner and was the drummer in
the groups Derek and the Dominos, Little Richard, and Delaney & Bonnie. In
1983, he was classified as living with undiagnosed schizophrenia following the
murder of his mother. He served 16 years to life in prison.
Joe Meek – The 1960’s
British record producer and songwriter lived with undiagnosed schizophrenia.
Most people remember his work with the Tornados “Telstar” from 1962 which
became the first record by a British group to reach number one on U.S. charts.
His commercial success was essentially a flash-in-the-pan. He eventually fell
into deep financial debt and depression. He exhibited undiagnosed symptoms of
schizophrenia and went on to kill his landlady and commit suicide.
John Nash (Dr. John Forbes Nash)
– He was a Nobel Laureate in Economics, and a Nobel Prize winning mathematician
known for his genius as well as diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. His life
is well documented in the book and movie “A Beautiful Mind.” His mathematical
theories involved determining “chance” and many are still used today to analyze
monetary trends. He suffered delusions of persecution later in his career – he
thought government agents were after him.
John Ogdon – The English
pianist and composer was known for his musical talents. He made his debut in
London at age 21 with an hour-long performance of Ferruccio Busoni on the
piano. He was regarded among the top musical talents in the world during his
time. His career was interrupted by schizophrenia – a condition which ran in
his family. His mental illness was written about in the book “Virtuoso” by his
wife Brenda.
Katherine Routledge – The
British archaeologist was known for suffering from mental illness since
childhood. She later developed paranoid schizophrenia and many are astonished
that she was able to gather so much valuable anthropological research. It
should be noted that her brother Harold also suffered from some form of mental
illness. Routledge became obsessed with Spiritualism and she experienced major
delusions and she was eventually confined to a mental institutions. She was
known for her Easter Island expeditions as well as her papers and photographs.
Various documents released from her family were released that included details
of her illness after her death.
Lionel Aldridge – The Super
Bowl winning NFL player Lionel Aldridge also had to deal with schizophrenia.
His coach Vince Lombardi started him as a rookie in 1963 and he helped the
Green Bay Packers win 2 Super Bowls. He eventually went on to retire from
football and in the late 1970s, he developed schizophrenia. He was found
homeless in Milwaukee, Wisconsin before recognizing that something needed to be
done about his condition. Once
he found help for his struggles with the disorder, he dedicated his life to
delivering inspirational speeches about his battle with paranoid schizophrenia
and his ultimate victory over its ravages. He died in 1998.
Louis Wain – This artist is
well-known worldwide for his incredible paintings and drawings of cats. He
slowly regressed with major symptoms of schizophrenia, but some credit it to
his unique paintings of “schizophrenic cats.” He was an extremely successful
artist whose works still remain published in many pieces of literature.
Meera Popkin – This
highly talented Broadway start was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She was just
hitting the prime of her career when symptoms emerged and she was unable to
cope. She ended up getting locked up in a padded room for a period of time, and
has learned to cope with the condition. She is now a huge advocate for mental
health awareness and lives a productive life.
Parveen Babi – The Indian
actress who became a superstar was eventually handcuffed and ankle-cuffed by
policemen and removed from an airport for hysteria as a result of her
schizophrenia condition. It is believed that she suffered from paranoid
schizophrenia. She was most remembered for her roles along heroes of the 1970s
and 1980s in movies like “Deewar,” “Namak Halaal” and “Shaan.” Many people
regard her as one of the most beautiful actresses of all time in Indian cinema.
There was even a movie created called “Woh Lamhe” which documents her
struggles with the condition. For more related-films, check out the
article “Movies
About Schizophrenia.”
Peter Green – The guitarist
for the highly popular band Fleetwood Mac had become famous for his distinct
sound. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. In
the 1970s he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and underwent therapeutic
treatments. He spent some time in psychiatric wards and became a recluse for
years while trying to cope with his condition. He still plays live guitar at
performances today.
Philip K. Dick – The popular
American author used themes in his works that reflected his personal interests.
He is believed to have suffered from schizophrenia, paranoia, and had abused
drugs in his past. Most of his work was science-fiction based and included
themes of monopolistic corporations, government dominance, and altered states
of consciousness.
Roky Erickson (Roger Kynard)
– He was the founder of the Austin-based rock group The 13th Floor Elevators.
Roky was a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player from Texas. He
is regarded as a pioneer of psychedelic rock. In 1968, he was performing and
began to speak gibberish. Professionals eventually diagnosed him with paranoid
schizophrenia and he was sent to a mental health ward to receive electro-shock
therapy. Some hypothesize that drug use of LSD, mescaline, DMT, and marijuana
may have lead to development of his condition. Read more about how smoking
marijuana could cause schizophrenia.
Rose Williams – The sister
of renowned author Tennessee Williams was said to suffer from schizophrenia.
This caused Tennessee to experience feelings of shame and guilt that his sister
had a major mental illness. This case shows that even individuals that are
related to someone successful can develop this condition.
Rufus May – This was a
British clinical psychologist who was known for using his personal experiences
as a psychiatric patient to help educate others. He had obtained his
credentials as a clinical psychologist and eventually went on to receive a
diagnosis of schizophrenia. He was diagnosed at age 18 and was detained in
psychiatric care three times. He said that psychotic symptoms develop as a
result of emotional loss and social isolation. One of his documented delusions
was that he was a spy for the British secret service. He also claimed to have
received messages from radio and television – which lead to hospitalizations.
Rufus Watson – The son of
Dr. James Watson, winner of the Nobel Prize for co-discovery of DNA. Dr. James
Watson has become a strong advocate in understanding and improving the
treatment of mental illness. His goal is to determine how genetics has an
influence in the development of this condition.
Sarah Holcomb – She was an
actress that starred in films such as “National Lampoon’s Animal House” (1978)
as well as other films such as “Caddyshack” (1980). She is remembered for
her debut role in Animal House as Clorette DePasto – the daughter of Mayor
Carmine DePasto. At the time of filming, she was only 18 years old.
Unfortunately her life took a turn for the worse with accelerated drug
abuse, alcohol abuse, and the eventual onset of schizophrenia. A movie
called “Stateside” from 2004 was said to be based on her career and life story.
Syd Barrett – The founding
member of the band Pink Floyd is considered one of the most famous rock stars
to ever develop a mental illness. Although there is some dispute as to what
kind of mental illness he suffered from, his close friends and band members
have identified his condition as schizophrenia. He had lived a relatively quiet
life for three decades in a small cottage in England. Some hypothesize that his
development of the condition was a result of high stress and significant drug
abuse. He had a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia and experienced many
environmental triggers – likely contributing factors for its development.
Tom Harrell – Jazz musician
Tom Harrell was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was dubbed as “the greatest
trumpeter of his generation” by Entertainment Weekly. He has suffered from
schizophrenia for years and fought the debilitating side effects of many
medications that are used for treatment. For decades he took Stelazine, then
switched to Zyprexa, and eventually Seroquel.
Vaslav Nijinsky – The famous
Russian ballet dancer and choreographer was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Many
consider him the greatest male dancer of the early 20th century. He was known
for his virtuosity due to the detail and intensity of his performances. Many
also know him for his incredible leaps. He became the star dancer for the
Ballets Russes which showed Russian ballets in Paris. Although he experienced
great success, he went on to develop schizophrenia after experiencing high
amounts of stress. His wife had taken him to Switzerland to get treated by a
psychiatrist, but treatment was not successful. He spend the remainder of his
life in and out of psychiatric hospitals and various asylums.
Veronica Lake – This famous
Hollywood actress of the 1940s was known for her performances in movies,
television, as well as on stage. She is widely remembered for her role in
Sullivan’s Travels and her roles with Alan Ladd during the 1940s. Her career
flourished early on, but experienced a decline as a result of alcoholism and
mental illness. She had a troubled childhood and according to her mother, was
diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Vincent van Gogh – It is
well known that many creative minds are linked to schizophrenia. Most people
know Vincent van Gogh for his post-Impressionist paintings and profound visual
artworks. He is thought to have suffered from both schizophrenia and bipolar
disorder. Some suggest that craniofacial asymmetry from birth lead to much of
his mental health problems.
Wesley Willis – This singer,
songwriter, and visual artist from Chicago was diagnosed with chronic
schizophrenia in 1989. His career began as an underground singer and songwriter
and was known for his bizarre, humorous, and obscene lyrics. He developed a
major cult following throughout the 1990s. He started his own punk band called
Wesley Willis Fiasco and was also known for creating hundreds of colored
ink-pen drawings that depicted the city of Chicago.
Will Elliott – This
Australian writer is known for his novel “The Pilo Family Circus” which was
published in 2006. It went on to win a variety of awards for being such an
incredible piece of fiction. Although Will experienced much literary success,
he dropped out of law school at age 20 when he began experiencing symptoms of
schizophrenia. Despite the fact that his novel is about a guy struggling with
an alter-ego, he claims that the book is not based on his own life. Elliot has
since gone on to publish many short stories as well as a book “Strange Places”
– a memoir that documents his experiences with schizophrenia.
William Chester Minor – This
was the person known for most contributions to the Oxford English Dictionary.
He began his life as an American surgeon for the army and worked on his
contributions while staying in an insane asylum in the early 1900s. He found
many of the quotes that you’ll see displayed for proper use of words. He
suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, committed murder, and actually cut off
his genitalia during a break with reality.
Zelda Fitzgerald – The wife
of writer F. Scott Fitzgerald (also a dancer and artist) was said to have
suffered from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It cannot be fully verified
that she had schizophrenia, but some hypothesize that she may have. Although
she was diagnosed with schizophrenia, most historians believe this was a misdiagnosis
and that she actually had bipolar disorder.
Other Famous People that May
Have Had Schizophrenia
Marilyn Monroe’s Mother – It
is pretty well documented that Marilyn Monroe’s mother was institutionalized
for having paranoid schizophrenia. Mental illness ran in Monroe’s family and
when her mother was asked about her famous daughter, she replied, “I have never
heard of Marilyn Monroe.”
Mary Todd Lincoln – It is
guessed that the wife of president Abraham Lincoln may have dealt with
schizophrenia. It is suspected that she had it, but since diagnostic criteria
wasn’t around during her time in history, it is not completely verifiable.
Michelangelo – Many
historians say that Michelangelo had significant difficulties forming social
relationships and his behavior was erratic. He was considered one of the most
brilliant men to have ever lived. He is known for being an Italian painter,
architect, engineer, and poet in the Renaissance era. Several historians
hypothesize that he may have suffered from schizophrenia.
Vivien Leigh – She was the
actress who played Scarlett O’Hara in the movie “Gone With the Wind.” According
to biographer Ann Edwards, she suffered from a mental illness that resembled
schizophrenia. However, due to her partying behavior with drugs and alcohol,
some believe that it may have been a drug-induced schizophrenic state.
PTSD – 30 Famous Trauma Survivors
Politicians and Civil Rights Leaders
1 Martin Luther-King
Civil rights leader.
Harrassed, frequently beaten and sent death threats prior to his murder.
Civil rights leader.
Harrassed, frequently beaten and sent death threats prior to his murder.
2 Nelson Mandela
Former president of South Africa.
A political prisoner for 27 years, he was jailed for ‘terrorism’, treated brutality and experienced near-starvation during the apartheid years in South Africa. Mandela was against violence and became the first black president of South Africa.
Former president of South Africa.
A political prisoner for 27 years, he was jailed for ‘terrorism’, treated brutality and experienced near-starvation during the apartheid years in South Africa. Mandela was against violence and became the first black president of South Africa.
3 Bill Clinton
Former US President.
Child abuse, violent and alcoholic uncle. Secondary domestic violence.
Former US President.
Child abuse, violent and alcoholic uncle. Secondary domestic violence.
4 Abraham Lincoln
Former US President.
Almost drowned at age seven, his mother died 2 years later, his older sister another 10 years later, and his first love died before they could marry. Three of his four children died in childhood, and he is described as experiencing long-term clinical depression and PTSD before his murder in 1956.
Former US President.
Almost drowned at age seven, his mother died 2 years later, his older sister another 10 years later, and his first love died before they could marry. Three of his four children died in childhood, and he is described as experiencing long-term clinical depression and PTSD before his murder in 1956.
Athletes
5 Joe Simpson
Climber and author.
Simpson was a world-class climber when a climbing accident almost killed him. Seriously injured, with no emergency rescue available, and his climbing partner believing he was dead, Simpson somehow crawled down the mountain and survived. His book Touching the Void was the first of five climbing books he has written.
Climber and author.
Simpson was a world-class climber when a climbing accident almost killed him. Seriously injured, with no emergency rescue available, and his climbing partner believing he was dead, Simpson somehow crawled down the mountain and survived. His book Touching the Void was the first of five climbing books he has written.
6 Monica Seles
Tennis player.
Seles was stabbed in the back by a rival’s fan during a match in 1993, at the height of her career. Her autobiography describes how her PTSD left her afraid to go back on the court with her back to the crowd, and how her injury affected her ability to play. Her attacker was not jailed so she also remained in fear of further attacks. She regained her health and athletic form, and overcame her PTSD avoidance enough to play professionally again.
Tennis player.
Seles was stabbed in the back by a rival’s fan during a match in 1993, at the height of her career. Her autobiography describes how her PTSD left her afraid to go back on the court with her back to the crowd, and how her injury affected her ability to play. Her attacker was not jailed so she also remained in fear of further attacks. She regained her health and athletic form, and overcame her PTSD avoidance enough to play professionally again.
7 Sheldon Kennedy
Ice hockey player in NHL.
Canadian athlete Sheldon Kennedy never fully reached his potential and remained silent until his autobiography Why I Didn’t Say Anything (2011), which revealed his coach’s frequent child sexual abuse. Kennedy raised $1 million for Canadian Red Cross sexual abuse programs.
Ice hockey player in NHL.
Canadian athlete Sheldon Kennedy never fully reached his potential and remained silent until his autobiography Why I Didn’t Say Anything (2011), which revealed his coach’s frequent child sexual abuse. Kennedy raised $1 million for Canadian Red Cross sexual abuse programs.
Comedians, Artists and Musicians
8 Axl Rose
Musician, Guns N Roses.
Child sexual abuse.
Musician, Guns N Roses.
Child sexual abuse.
9 Billy Connoly
Comedian.
Child sexual abuse (incest).
Comedian.
Child sexual abuse (incest).
10 Marilyn Manson
Musician.
Child sexual abuse, his album and single “Smells Like Children” reflects this theme.
Lyrics may be triggering.
Musician.
Child sexual abuse, his album and single “Smells Like Children” reflects this theme.
Lyrics may be triggering.
11 Mick Jagger
Singer/Musician.
Diagnosed with PTSD after his girlfriend, model L’Wren Scott, committed suicide in their home. Sudden and traumatic death of a loved one is a known cause of PTSD.
Singer/Musician.
Diagnosed with PTSD after his girlfriend, model L’Wren Scott, committed suicide in their home. Sudden and traumatic death of a loved one is a known cause of PTSD.
12 Spike Milligan
British comedian.
Traumatized in World War II, he fought in numerous campaigns in Italy and was wounded in the war. He was demoted after an officer refused to acknowledge he was suffering PTSD. After the war he developed bipolar disorder and had many breakdowns.
British comedian.
Traumatized in World War II, he fought in numerous campaigns in Italy and was wounded in the war. He was demoted after an officer refused to acknowledge he was suffering PTSD. After the war he developed bipolar disorder and had many breakdowns.
13 Tina Turner
Singer.
Tina Turner experienced Domestic Violence including rape at the hands of her husband, Ike, and child abuse. She become more famous after leaving Ike and becoming a solo artist. Her past is described in her autobiography and the film What’s Love Got To Do With It.
Singer.
Tina Turner experienced Domestic Violence including rape at the hands of her husband, Ike, and child abuse. She become more famous after leaving Ike and becoming a solo artist. Her past is described in her autobiography and the film What’s Love Got To Do With It.
14 Tori Amos
Singer/Musician, Co-founded the Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN).
Tori Amos is well known as a survivor of sexual abuse (rape), a theme which is present in many of her songs. Her music and history inspired the name of sexual assault forum Pandora’s Aquarium, named after one of her songs.
Singer/Musician, Co-founded the Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN).
Tori Amos is well known as a survivor of sexual abuse (rape), a theme which is present in many of her songs. Her music and history inspired the name of sexual assault forum Pandora’s Aquarium, named after one of her songs.
Authors and Journalists
15 Alice Sebold.
Author.
Sebold is a rape survivor, and best known as author of the best-selling book Lovely Bones. She was raised in a dysfunctional family, and her memoir Lucky describes her brutal rape, which she was told she was lucky to survive.
Author.
Sebold is a rape survivor, and best known as author of the best-selling book Lovely Bones. She was raised in a dysfunctional family, and her memoir Lucky describes her brutal rape, which she was told she was lucky to survive.
16 David H. Hackworth
Author and journalist at Newsweek.
Hackworth was awarded eight purple hearts, he lied about his age to enlist in the Army at fifteen years old, and served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. His books on military themes include The Price of Honor (1999) and Hazardous Duty (1997).
Author and journalist at Newsweek.
Hackworth was awarded eight purple hearts, he lied about his age to enlist in the Army at fifteen years old, and served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. His books on military themes include The Price of Honor (1999) and Hazardous Duty (1997).
17 Jackie Kennedy Onasis
U.S. First Lady, 1961-1963.
Jackie Kennedy, later known as Jackie Onasis, witnessed the fatal shooting of her husband, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, by a sniper while she was sat next to him in an open-top car. She reacted by trying to grab his shattered head and prevent anything further coming out. She could easily have been murdered or shot by the same person. Later she remarried, and became an editor after her second husband died.
U.S. First Lady, 1961-1963.
Jackie Kennedy, later known as Jackie Onasis, witnessed the fatal shooting of her husband, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, by a sniper while she was sat next to him in an open-top car. She reacted by trying to grab his shattered head and prevent anything further coming out. She could easily have been murdered or shot by the same person. Later she remarried, and became an editor after her second husband died.
18 Stephen King
Author.
Stephen King is best known for his horror novels, including Carrie, The Shining, The Green Mile, and Misery. King was 4 years old when he witnessed another child being killed by a train, which he does not remember. He was seriously injured and nearly died in 1999 after being hit by a van while out walking. He almost lost his right leg.
Author.
Stephen King is best known for his horror novels, including Carrie, The Shining, The Green Mile, and Misery. King was 4 years old when he witnessed another child being killed by a train, which he does not remember. He was seriously injured and nearly died in 1999 after being hit by a van while out walking. He almost lost his right leg.
19 Rudyard Kipling
Author and poet.
Child physical abuse including torture by his caregivers. Kipling is author of The Jungle Book, and Kim.
Author and poet.
Child physical abuse including torture by his caregivers. Kipling is author of The Jungle Book, and Kim.
20 Victor Frankl
Psychiatrist, neurologist, and author.
Frankl, born in Austria, was director of the Neurological Department of Rothschild Hospital immediately before the Holocaust. He spent 3 years in concentration camps, and his wife died in the Bergen-Belsen camp. His best known book “Man’s Search for Meaning” sold over nine million copies on the U.S. He was awarded 29 honor degrees and lectured on 5 continents Actors, models and TV presentors
Psychiatrist, neurologist, and author.
Frankl, born in Austria, was director of the Neurological Department of Rothschild Hospital immediately before the Holocaust. He spent 3 years in concentration camps, and his wife died in the Bergen-Belsen camp. His best known book “Man’s Search for Meaning” sold over nine million copies on the U.S. He was awarded 29 honor degrees and lectured on 5 continents Actors, models and TV presentors
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg witnessed two planes collide in midair as a child. As a
comedienne, actress and talk show host, she’s required to travel frequently and
has dealt with severe panic attacks when boarding planes. Goldberg has made it
public that she receives therapy for her condition.
Darrell Hammond
Darrell Hammond, famous Saturday Night Live comedian and impressionist has
spoken publicly about his diagnosis of PTSD. Severely abused as a child,
Hammond dealt with years of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as self-harming. He
has since become an advocate for treatment and is living a sober lifestyle.
Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette, singer/songwriter, suffered from PTSD due to her quick
rise to fame for the album Jagged Little Pill. “It was an intense, constant,
chronic over-stimulation and invasion of energetic and physical literal space,”
she said in an interview. Alanis claims that she’s still coping with these
issues.
Barbara Streisand
Barbara Streisand, iconic singer and actress, didn’t perform live for 30
years after a single performance in New York’s Central Park where she forgot
the lyrics to a song she was singing. Streisand developed an intense fear of
performance, and only overcame it after receiving both therapy and medication.
21 Alan Cumming
Actor.
Cumming suffered severe physical and emotional abuse as a child, at the hands of his father. He suffered flashbacks and an eating disorder. Cumming has won two Emmys and is best known for playing Eli Gold in The Good Wife. His memoir is called Not My Father’s Son.
Actor.
Cumming suffered severe physical and emotional abuse as a child, at the hands of his father. He suffered flashbacks and an eating disorder. Cumming has won two Emmys and is best known for playing Eli Gold in The Good Wife. His memoir is called Not My Father’s Son.
22 Amanda Holden
Actress and TV presenter.
British actress Holden, best known as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, was diagnosed with PTSD after nearly dying during a cesarean section during her daughter’s birth in 2012.
Actress and TV presenter.
British actress Holden, best known as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, was diagnosed with PTSD after nearly dying during a cesarean section during her daughter’s birth in 2012.
23 Carré Otis
Model and actress.
Carré Otis grew up with an alcoholic father, was raped at 17, experienced domestic violence, and was raped again as an adult. Her modeling career involved frequent sexual harassment, and she modeled for Guess? and Calvin Klein. She used eating disorders and drug addiction to cope with her difficult past. She is now an ambassador for the National Association of Eating Disorders.
Model and actress.
Carré Otis grew up with an alcoholic father, was raped at 17, experienced domestic violence, and was raped again as an adult. Her modeling career involved frequent sexual harassment, and she modeled for Guess? and Calvin Klein. She used eating disorders and drug addiction to cope with her difficult past. She is now an ambassador for the National Association of Eating Disorders.
24 Joan Collins
Actress
Collins recently spoke being drugged and date raped at 17 by her future husband, who was a famous star at the time. She felt obliged to marry him and guilty because he took her virginity; the marriage was abusive. She gave an interview about this in the film Brave Miss World, in which a former Miss World talked about her own rape.
Actress
Collins recently spoke being drugged and date raped at 17 by her future husband, who was a famous star at the time. She felt obliged to marry him and guilty because he took her virginity; the marriage was abusive. She gave an interview about this in the film Brave Miss World, in which a former Miss World talked about her own rape.
25 Mo’Nique
Comedian and Actress.
Child sexual abuse. Mo’Nique drew on her experience to play the part of the abusive mother in the film Precious.
Comedian and Actress.
Child sexual abuse. Mo’Nique drew on her experience to play the part of the abusive mother in the film Precious.
26 Oprah Winfrey
TV show host and author.
During a 1986 show on sexual abuse, Oprah revealed she had been raped by a relative as a 9 year-old, and was abused by several people for a number of years. She used sexual promiscuity to cope, having a baby at 14 who died. She continues to advocate for sexual abuse survivors.
TV show host and author.
During a 1986 show on sexual abuse, Oprah revealed she had been raped by a relative as a 9 year-old, and was abused by several people for a number of years. She used sexual promiscuity to cope, having a baby at 14 who died. She continues to advocate for sexual abuse survivors.
27 Teri Hatcher
Actress.
A Bond girl and star of Desparate Housewives, Teri spoke in 2006 about being sexually abused as a 5 year-old.
Actress.
A Bond girl and star of Desparate Housewives, Teri spoke in 2006 about being sexually abused as a 5 year-old.
28 Waris Dirie
Somalia-born supermodel, author and campaigner against FGM.
Waris experienced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a 5 year old, which caused her years of pain. At 13 she was forced into marriage with a 60 year old, so she fled home and later found her way to London. She needed surgery prior to childbirth because of the damage.
Somalia-born supermodel, author and campaigner against FGM.
Waris experienced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a 5 year old, which caused her years of pain. At 13 she was forced into marriage with a 60 year old, so she fled home and later found her way to London. She needed surgery prior to childbirth because of the damage.
Careers in Military
29 Audie Murphy
Soldier.
Military combat.
Famous for being the most decorated American Soldier of World War II, he was wounded many times and awarded the Medal of Honor and many Purple Hearts after being injured in combat. Physical injury increases the risk of PTSD. Murphy was also decorated by French and Belgian governments. After the war he sleep with an automatic pistol under his pillow and struggled with nightmares. He died in 1971.
Soldier.
Military combat.
Famous for being the most decorated American Soldier of World War II, he was wounded many times and awarded the Medal of Honor and many Purple Hearts after being injured in combat. Physical injury increases the risk of PTSD. Murphy was also decorated by French and Belgian governments. After the war he sleep with an automatic pistol under his pillow and struggled with nightmares. He died in 1971.
30 Major General John Cantwell
Austrialian Army General
His autobiography Exit Wounds described how he hid his PTSD for 20 years and continued in the army, being promoted to Deputy Chief of the Australian Army. He experienced survivor guilt and avoided cars due to fear of car bombs. He became suicidal and was later admitted to a psychiatric ward for a week, retiring soon after.
Austrialian Army General
His autobiography Exit Wounds described how he hid his PTSD for 20 years and continued in the army, being promoted to Deputy Chief of the Australian Army. He experienced survivor guilt and avoided cars due to fear of car bombs. He became suicidal and was later admitted to a psychiatric ward for a week, retiring soon after.
Mental health experts aren’t sure why some people develop PTSD after
experiencing trauma and others do not. When reactions to stressful events do
not improve over time, fear, anxiety and other painful symptoms can make daily
life extremely difficult, hence the name “post traumatic stress.” An estimated 5.2 million adults in the U.S. cope with
PTSD each year.
People who suffer from PTSD are 9 times more likely to experience issues of
drug and alcohol abuse and dependence. The combination of these illnesses
complicate the symptoms and are referred to as dual diagnosis or co-occurring
disorders. Receiving the
proper diagnosis for PTSD is an important first step in dealing with this
treatable disease.
11 Famous People With Autism
"Leo Kanner first described autism almost 70 years ago, in 1944.
Before that, autism didn't exist as far as clinicians were concerned, and its
official prevalence was, therefore, zero. There were, obviously, people with
autism, but they were simply considered insane."
When celebrities are open about their private lives, they do us all a favor
by raising awareness about various health issues and causes. John Wayne, for
example, is considered a trailblazer in
Hollywood for coming
forward about having cancer during an era when celebrities typically did not
speak of such things.
Autism is considered a new developmental disorder as it did not clinically
exist until 1944. This
list of famous people with autism includes the full spectrum of the diagnosis.
There are many celebrities and famous people that are just now being diagnosed
as adults. Click through for a few well-known celebrities of today as well as
other classic figures from the past.
Dan Aykroyd
According to a 2007 article in The Guardian, as a child, actor Dan Aykroyd was expelled from
two schools for acting up and a psychiatrist had diagnosed him with a mild
Asperger's syndrome. He also had a few tics and had shown signs of obsessive
compulsive disorder.
Temple Grandin
"The thing about being autistic is that you gradually get less and
less autistic, because you keep learning, you keep learning how to behave. It's
like being in a play; I'm always in a play." - Temple Grandin
You can watch the movie about Temple (yes, the one where Claire Danes won a ton of well deserved rewards) on DVD.
You can watch the movie about Temple (yes, the one where Claire Danes won a ton of well deserved rewards) on DVD.
Courtney Love
In a biography by Poppy Z, we learn that Courtney was
was diagnosed by one of her therapists as mildly autistic.
Marty Balin
Marty Balin founded the psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane in 1965.
There are many casual references online to him as a "singer who overcame
partial autism as a young child." He has also recorded a song and intro to
a short film about children with autism.
Dan Harmon
Dan is the creator and writer of the hit TV show Community. While
developing one of the characters on his show, he began researching Asperger's
syndrome and realized that he related to the character's pathology. In a
fantastic interview with Wired Magazine, Dan shares his self-diagnosis of Asperger's:
"I started looking up these symptoms, just to know what they are. And the
more I looked them up, the more familiar they started to seem. Then I started
taking these Internet tests."
Andy Warhol
We all know the soup cans, right? The simple, repeating pattern defined an
entire era of art. Dr Judith Gould, director of Eliot House, Britain's
leading diagnostic center for autism and Asperger's syndrome, suggests that
Warhol's love of repetition was actually a symptom of autism.
Tim Burton
Tim's wife, Helena Bonham Carter, diagnosed him with Asperger's syndrome. While she was
researching for a film she had a bit of an "a-ha moment" when so many
of the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome lined up with the traits that she loves
in her husband. Helena says: "We were watching a documentary about autism
and he said that's how he felt as a child. Autistic people have application and
dedication. You can say something to Tim when he's working and he doesn't hear
you. But that quality also makes him a fantastic father, he has an amazing
sense of humour and imagination. He sees things other people don't see."
James Durbin
James was a hero to many when he competed on Season 10 of American Idol
and was open about his Tourettes and Asperger's
syndromes. James' debut album, Memories of a
Beautiful Disaster, was
released in 2011 and got solid reviews.
Daryl Hannah
Daryl has said that being diagnosed with Asperger's
syndrome nearly ruined her career in Hollywood. "I never went on talk
shows, never went to premieres," she says. "Going to the Academy
Awards was so painful for me. I'd almost faint just walking down the red
carpet. I was so socially awkward and uncomfortable that I eventually got
blacklisted."
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 2 of 12
Mozart is said to have had repeated facial expressions and was
in need of constant motion of his hands and feet. His hearing was also very
sensitive. By studying letters between the musician and his family, historians
have shared that one day Mozart was having a bit of a bored moment so he jumped
up and hurdled over tables and chairs, meowed like a cat and did somersaults.
Famous People with Anxiety Disorders
When a person is faced with a
stressful situation, the body’s reaction is to become anxious. In some cases,
that reaction is severe, causing individuals to become unable to move beyond
the fear and anxiety they feel for long periods of time. Often, this is
indicative of an anxiety disorder. There are a number of different types of
anxiety disorders. The most common of these disorders includes general anxiety
disorder, clinical anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social
anxiety disorder, individual phobias, and agoraphobia.
More than 40 million adults over
the age of 18 in the United States have an anxiety disorder. While the cause of
anxiety disorders is unknown, most researchers and scientists believe that a
combination of genetics and traumatic or triggering events is the most likely
cause for the development of an anxiety disorder.
With more than 18 percent of the
adult population in the nation suffering from an anxiety disorder, everyone is
likely to know someone who has one of these conditions. Throughout history,
politicians, writers, and artists have suffered from a variety of anxiety
disorders. Many celebrities today have started to discuss their own experiences
with these conditions, bringing exposure to the disorders and helping others to
find ways to deal with the symptoms and causes. Here is a closer look at famous
people with anxiety disorders and the impact that the disorders have had on
their lives.
10. Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is famously
depicted as somber and serious in photographs and descriptions of him
throughout history books and historical accounts. Lincoln endured many
traumatic events throughout his life, marked by the repeated loss of those
close to him. As a young child, he lost his mother, and when he was only 18, he
lost his beloved older sister. Lincoln would also lose ten of his twelve
children to death, and he often felt inadequate because of a lack of social
upbringing and education. These losses and his own feelings of inadequacy
manifested in deep anxiety throughout his life and his presidency. Historians
and psychiatric researchers typically agree that Lincoln must have suffered
from severe generalized anxiety disorders, based on his letters and journals.
Lincoln’s diagnosis would not have existed at the time, and he would have had
to have found ways to deal with the stress and anxiety he felt as he managed
the challenges of his presidency.
9. Emily Dickinson
It can be difficult to diagnose a
psychological condition after someone’s death, particularly for historical
figures that lived prior to the twentieth century. Emily Dickinson, born in
1830, is one of America’s most beloved literary figures, and a world famous
poetess. Almost as well known as her poetry, however, is Emily Dickinson’s
reclusive nature. Through letters and historical records, experts and
researchers have determined that Emily Dickinson began to limit her interaction
with other people to her family members after leaving Mount Holyoke Female
Seminary. Although Emily Dickinson conversed with journalists, other writers,
and editors during the time that she lived, she limited the majority of her
interaction to letter writing, refusing to meet most of them in person. As she
grew older, her own fear of death also seemed to contribute to her increasing
lack of interaction with others. Most experts agree that Dickinson suffered
from some type of an anxiety disorder, possibly agoraphobia.
8. Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh has been an
interesting case study for psychiatric students throughout the world. There are
a number of theories about the extent of van Gogh’s mental health disorders,
and most expert agree that the famous artist suffered from a combination of a
number of physical and psychiatric diseases. In addition to bipolar disorder
and epilepsy, experts often agree that van Gogh suffered from anxiety
disorders, and his stay in an asylum in the late nineteenth century noted this
as one of van Gogh’s conditions. Additionally, historians also note the
documentation of his anxiety in his own letters, where he notes that he has
“fits of anxiety” and “attacks” of melancholy. Van Gogh also excessively drank
liquor, especially absinthe, and this is possibly a cause of an increase in the
severity of his anxiety and other disorders. He is also used in genetic studies
and research because of the possible suicide of his younger brother and one of
his sister’s schizophrenic diagnosis. Van Gogh ultimately committed suicide in
his thirties.
7. Kim Basinger
Kim Basinger’s struggle with
anxiety disorders began when she was a child. Basinger suffers from social
anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. The condition was so severe when she
was a child that her parents thought it was possible that she had autism. She
was tested for autism, along with many other psychiatric disorders, but her
condition was not diagnosed. Basinger has been very public about her
experiences with anxiety disorders, and she appeared in the documentary “Panic:
A Film about Coping” produced HBO, hoping to raise awareness for the spectrum
of these disorders. To treat her condition, Basinger turned to
psychotherapeutic methods. Although she feels the condition has improved, she
still notes that she has some instances of panic.
6. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand is known
throughout Hollywood and the music industry for being very reclusive. She is
not often seen in public, and, in fact, she would not perform publicly for
nearly 30 years out of her career. This 30-year hiatus from public appearances,
aside from those for charity, was the result of what happened at a concert that
Streisand gave in Central Park in New York City. At the concert, Streisand
forgot the lyrics to the song she was singing, and she developed an intense
fear of performing in public again and having the same thing happen. Streisand
was able to work through the panic attacks and anxiety disorder symptoms to
begin to perform again publicly. The actress/singer has reported that
medication was a part of the treatment for her symptoms.
5. Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys is
often regarded as one of the most creative and prolific musical artists and
songwriters of all time. Most experts agree that Wilson’s battles with anxiety
and other mental health disorders likely were triggered by his childhood
experiences with an abusive father and an alcoholic mother. As a founder of the
Beach Boys, he is credited as the creative driving force behind the band’s
success, but his time in the group was marred by periods of depression and
anxiety, resulting in his refusal to tour or perform with the group. During the
highest points of his fame, Wilson self-medicated his conditions with illegal
drugs. Since then, Wilson has found a way to deal with his condition, publishing
an autobiography and beginning to perform publicly again. It has been reported
that his treatment included the controversial 24-hour therapy treatment
administered by now unlicensed clinical psychologist Eugene Landy.
4. Donny Osmond
For many people with an anxiety
disorder, the constant presence of anxiousness about stressful triggers is an
almost impossible hurdle to get over. In Donny Osmond’s cases, that anxiety
resulted in severe panic attacks that would send him to the corner of the room,
curled up into the fetal position and unable to handle any situation. For
Osmond, that stress was triggered by his own celebrity. Osmond worried
constantly that he would not be successful in show business, letting not just
himself down but also negatively affecting his family and their individual
careers. Osmond sought professional mental health professionals and his
treatment includes medication to control and fight the symptoms of the anxiety
and panic attacks. After battling anxiety disorder and working to keep it under
control, Osmond discussed his struggle in a memoir and on the Dr. Phil
television show.
3. Paula Deen
Some anxiety disorders manifest in
a person’s inability to even leave their own homes to go about living
day-to-day, seriously impeding everything from personal relationships to
careers. This was the case for Paula Deen, the celebrity Southern chef, who
developed an anxiety disorder after the loss of her parents. After both of
Deen’s parents passed away before she was in her mid-twenties, she developed an
intense fear of dying, leading to an acute condition of agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia occurs when a person feels that situations are dangerous, or
sometimes highly uncomfortable. Deen began to have panic attacks from her own
fear of death, and she would often not leave her own home for weeks at a time.
To overcome this anxiety, Deen relied on religious prayer and other spiritual
methods.
2. Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg, a famous actress,
comedienne, and talk show host, needs to travel. For Goldberg, this was
complicated for many years because of her deep fear of flying. This type of
fear is a phobia, one specific type of anxiety disorder, often also called
aerophobia. Often, individuals who suffer from a phobia undergo cognitive
behavior therapy and exposure therapy. Before recent treatment, Goldberg would
travel only by bus, train, or car in order to get from one end of the country
to the other. Her fear of flying was the result of witnessing a mid-air
collision between two planes more than 30 years ago. Goldberg’s own treatment
was a type of exposure therapy in which she enrolled in a flying without fear
program.
1. Howie Mandel
In 2009, Howie Mandel revealed to
the public that he suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), one type
of anxiety disorder. Mandel’s condition manifests itself in a deep fear of
germs. Because he constantly travels, Mandel keeps a black light and a
magnifying glass with him in order to inspect all of his hotel rooms for
bedbugs and germs that could be around the room or on the bed. He will also
only travel on a private plane because he fears the germs on commercial
flights. Individuals with OCD become increasingly obsessed with rituals and are
unable to overcome fears of the spread of germs, in spite of acute knowledge of
the irrationality of their fears. Mandel manages his own condition with
medication and psychotherapy.
Anxiety Disorder List Continued
Adele (musician)
Goldie Hawn
James Garner (actor)
Jessica Alba (actress)
Leila Kenzle (actress)
Ray Charles (musician)
Sally Field (actress)
Famous
People Suffering Depression
Buzz Aldrin
Roseanne Barr
Ludwig van Beethoven
Terry Bradshaw
Marlon Brando
Delta Burke
Earl Campbell
Winston Churchill
Dick Clark
Kurt Cobain
Judy Collins
Pat Conroy
Calvin Coolidge
Sheryl Crow
John Daly
Princess Diana
Charles Dickens
Patty Duke
Carrie Fisher
Linda Hamilton
Ernest Hemingway
Billy Joel
Margot Kidder
Heath Ledger
Vivien Leigh
Abraham Lincoln
Greg Louganis
Michelangelo
Sir Isaac Newton
Rosie O’Donnell
Jane Pauley
J. K. Rowling
Daryl Strawberry
Emma Thompson
Leo Tolstoy
John Claude Van Damme
Vincent Van Gogh
Mike Wallace
Ricky Williams
Tammy Wynette
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