Which Celebrities Have Been Diagnosed with Depression?

It can be a profoundly isolating experience to struggle with depression, whether it's your own battle or you're watching a loved one go through it.  

It’s easy to feel like no one else could possibly understand.  

However, depression does not discriminate. It affects people from all walks of life including those who seem to have it all.  

An estimate of 21 million adults in the USA have had at least one major depressive episode in their lives. This number represents 8.3% of adults in the USA.  

When public figures speak out about their mental health, it chips away at the stigma and sends a powerful message: you are not alone, and recovery is possible. 

12 Stars Who Have Shared Their Experiences with Depression 

Many celebrities have opened up about their struggles, offering hope and solidarity to millions.  

Their stories are a reminder that depression is a health condition, not a personal failing. 

1. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: The action star has spoken about his past battles with depression, sparked by witnessing his mother's suicide attempt as a teenager and his own professional setbacks. He has emphasized the importance of speaking up and not suffering in silence. 
2. Lady Gaga: A vocal mental health advocate, Lady Gaga has been open about her struggles with depression and PTSD. She founded the Born This Way Foundation to support the wellness of young people and empower them to create a kinder, braver world. 
3. Chris Evans: The "Captain America" star has discussed his lifelong struggles with anxiety and how it almost led him to turn down the iconic Marvel role. 
4. Katy Perry: The ‘ROAR’ singer and pop superstar has described periods of situational depression so deep she "didn't want to get out of bed." She has since become a proponent of therapy and other mental wellness practices. 
5. Jon Hamm: Best known as Don Draper on "Mad Men," Jon Hamm has been candid about his use of antidepressants and therapy to manage chronic depression following the death of his father. 
6. Billie Eilish: The young music icon has openly discussed her journey with teenage depression, using her platform to tell her fans that it's okay not to be okay. 
7. Michael Phelps: The most decorated Olympian of all time has become a leading voice in mental health advocacy, sharing his experiences with severe post-Olympic depression and encouraging others to seek professional help. 
8. Kristen Bell: The ‘Nobody Wants This’ actress has spoken cheerfully and frankly about managing her depression and anxiety with medication management since she was young, working to normalize the act of seeking clinical treatment. 
9. Bruce Springsteen: "The Boss" detailed his lifelong battle with depression in his autobiography, "Born to Run," describing it as a "freight train" of despair that runs in his family. 
10. Sophie Turner: The "Game of Thrones" actress revealed that the intense public scrutiny that came with the show led to a years-long battle with depression, which she manages with therapy and medication. 
11. Justin Bieber: After achieving worldwide fame at a young age, Bieber has been transparent about the mental health struggles that followed, using his platform to discuss the benefits of therapy. 
12. Wayne Brady: The actor and comedian has powerfully spoken out against the misconception that being successful or funny means you can't also have depression, sharing his own story of a complete breakdown that led him to seek help. 

Why It Matters When Celebrities Talk About Mental Health? 

When a celebrity shares their diagnosis, it does more than just make headlines. It humanizes the condition.  

For someone feeling isolated by their depression, seeing a person they admire acknowledge a similar struggle can be a lifeline.  

It fights stigma, showing that mental health conditions are a part of the human experience, not a source of shame.  

It also normalizes the act of seeking help—whether that's therapy, medication, or other forms of support. 

Understanding the Reality of Depression 

It's important to remember that depression is more than just feeling sad.  

It is a complex medical condition with a wide range of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms. These can include:  

• Persistent low mood,  

• Loss of interest in activities,  

• Changes in sleep or appetite,  

• Overwhelming fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness.  

How to Use These Stories to Talk to a Loved One? 

• Start with Curiosity, Not Accusation: Don't say, "You have a problem." Instead, try a softer approach. You could mention an article you read: "I saw this story about Dwayne Johnson and the depression he dealt with. It sounds so tough. It got me thinking about you." 

• Focus on a Specific, Relatable Point: Pick a detail from a celebrity's story that might resonate. "I remember Wayne Brady saying people thought he couldn't be depressed because he's a comedian. It sounds like that pressure to always seem okay must be exhausting." This opens the door for your loved one to talk about their own feelings without having to label them. 

• Frame it as Strength: Highlight the courage it took for the celebrity to speak up and get help. This reframes treatment not as a weakness, but as an act of strength and self-care, which may appeal to someone like Derrick, who worries about the stigma of taking leave. 

• Offer Help Without Pressure: End the conversation by simply offering your support. "I'm here for you, no matter what. If you ever wanted to just talk, or even look into options, I'd be happy to help you research." This respects their autonomy while making it clear you're on their side. 

You Are Not Alone And Neither Are They 

The journey through depression can feel lonely, for both the person experiencing it and the caregivers who support them.  

But millions of people, from global superstars to your friends and neighbors, are on a similar path. The most important step is the first one: reaching out. 

Helpful Resources 

• How to support someone with depression? 

• What brain fog might be telling you? 

• Coping with high-functioning depression 

• The Burnout Survival Guide 

• Cheat Sheet: How to start a conversation about mental health with loved ones? 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. My son doesn't believe he has depression, but I see all the signs. How can I convince him to get help? 
   Instead of trying to “convince,” focus on starting gentle conversations. Share relatable stories (like celebrities opening up) and express your support. Sometimes hearing that others especially admired figures struggle too can lower resistance to seeking help. 
2. Are there affordable treatment options available if my loved one doesn't have good insurance? 
   Yes. Community clinics, nonprofit organizations, and federally qualified health centers often provide sliding-scale therapy. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we also help patients explore insurance coverage, Medicaid, and rebate programs for treatments like Spravato. 
3. What's the difference between therapy and other treatments I read about, and how do I know what's right for my family member? 
   Therapy (like CBT or DBT) helps reframe thoughts and build coping skills. Other treatments, such as medication, TMS, or Spravato, target biological pathways in the brain. The right plan is usually personalized, often blending multiple approaches. 
4. How do I support my loved one without completely draining my own emotional energy? 
   Set boundaries and practice self-care. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Support groups for caregivers, therapy for yourself, and structured communication strategies (like focusing on behaviors rather than labels) help you sustain compassion without burnout. 
5. My son is worried that a diagnosis will negatively affect his job and future. Is this true? 
   A diagnosis itself doesn’t automatically harm employment. In fact, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects workers from discrimination. Many people find that treatment improves performance and stability, making them more secure in their roles.