6 Hollywood stars who raised mental health awareness with their own journey

The growing awareness about mental health among young generations and celebrities has pointedly contributed to ever changing societal attitudes.

According to the American University's study in 2015 revealed that millennials are more likely to discuss mental health and show acceptance towards those struggling with it as compared to previous generations.

Now in the Hollywood industry where celebrities like Selena Gomez, Billie Eilish and Justin Bieber have publicly shared their mental health experiences helping to humanize and clarify these issues.

By speaking out these influential figures inspire others to prioritized their mental wellbeing, nurturing a more supportive and understanding environment.

This increased visibility also encourages important conversations, challenges stigmas and promotes mental health awareness on a broader scale.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber opened up about his mental health as he prioritised his well-being by canceled the remainder of his Justice World Tour 2025, mentioning the toll of previous health issues and performances.

During his interview with Vogue in 2019, the pop star shared why he had cancel 14 dates of his Purpose tour back in 2017.

Justin said, “I got really depressed on tour,” he explained. “I haven’t talked about this, and I’m still processing so much stuff that I haven’t talked about. I was lonely. I needed some time.”

The Baby singer also discussed his past struggles with prescription drug misuse, “I found myself doing things that I was so ashamed of, being super-promiscuous and stuff and I think I used Xanax because I was so ashamed.”

In his 2020 documentary Seasons, Justin Bieber shared his struggles with deep depression, revealing that he often felt suicidal and “did not want to live anymore.”

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez has candidly shared her mental health struggles with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

Selena discussed her darkest moments and the challenges of managing these conditions under public analysis as she advocates for self-care, seeking professional help and building a strong support system.

According to WebMD, the actress and singer credits dialectical behavior therapy with having a positive impact on her mental health and helping her conditions.

Selena Gomez founded the Rare Impact Fund, an initiative focused on promoting mental health awareness and providing resources and support especially for young people.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish has become a vocal mental health advocate as she openly discussed her struggles with depression and body dysmorphia through her music and interviews.

During her interview Zane Lowe on Apple Music’s Beats in 2017, the singer shared, “Depression has controlled sort of like everything in my life, for my whole life, I’ve kind of always been a melancholy person.”

As per Allure interview, Billie discussed, “I’m starting to do better, but I’ve not been doing so great, to be honest. For a while. I have impending-doom feelings most of the day. When I think too much about it, how I can never have privacy again, it’s enough to make you want to do all sorts of crazy things. But you have to let it go.”

Kylie Jenner

Kylie Jenner also talked about her postpartum depression with both of her pregnancies a dark reality she shared with Vanity Fair Italia in February of this year.

The fashion mogul said, “I have experienced it. Twice. The first time was very difficult but the second was more manageable.”

She continued, “I would tell those women not to over-think things and to live all the emotions of that moment to the fullest. Stay inside that moment even if it is painful. I know in those moments you think that it will never pass that your body will never be the same as before, that you will never be the same.”

Kylie Jenner further explained, embrace the transition without fearing the aftermath as it’s a crucial part of motherhood filled with beautiful moments worth experiencing.

Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner also opened up about how she deeply affected by negative social media and living with depression.

During her appearance at DR. Phil’s podcast series, the Games of Thrones actress shared, “It was just a lot of weight comments or I would have spotty skin, because I was a teenager, and that’s normal and I used to get a lot of comments about my skin and my weight and how I wasn’t a good actress.”

Sophie revealed she struggled with depression, feeling unworthy and once even contemplated suicide.

The Time Freak actress gave credit to medication and therapy with helping her find support and recovery.

Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik has spoken candidly about his mental health struggles including anxiety and an eating disorder and how they impacted his performances and relationships.

In 2016, Time magazine published an excerpt from the singer’s autobiography where he shared his reasons for publicly discussing his mental health struggles.

The Night Changes singer said, “I’m gonna tell them the truth, “I don’t want to say I’m sick. I want to tell people what’s going on, and I’m not gonna be ashamed of what’s happening.”

Zayn Malik’s truthfulness has earned praise for contributing to a more open and accepting conversation about mental health.