06:30, 26 June 2024
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
In a society where fame and wealth often take centre stage, there are some celebrities leveraging their influence for a noble cause: advancing mental health awareness. These figures have selflessly disclosed their own challenges, championed mental health support systems, and ignited crucial dialogues on wellness in the public sphere.
Join us as we delve into 5 celebrities who are driving change for mental health advocacy.
Bring Me The Horizon frontman, Oli Sykes has been very vocal about his battles with mental health, which has led to him experiencing addiction and substance abuse. With hits like Can You Feel My Heart and Drown, music was a way for Oli to speak candidly about his mental health and the importance of seeking help, which he enthusiastically encourages his fans to do if they are struggling.
Prominent actor (and former NFL player), Terry Crews, has discussed his battles with mental health issues on numerous occasions. In interviews, he has spoken about his experience with depression and negative coping mechanisms which developed into addiction over time. Since going to therapy in 2014, he has continued to advocate for the importance of getting help and self-care and support networks. In recent years, he has played a pivotal role in increasing awareness and fostering discussions about mental health across diverse communities.
Former Disney star, Demi Lovato, has opened up on many occasions about struggling with their mental health in the public eye. The singer and actor has revealed details about her struggles over the years, especially in her 2017 documentary Simply Complicated and in interviews where she has shed some light on addiction, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. Now, they use their platform to raise awareness about mental health, advocate for mental health resources, and promote self-care and self-acceptance.
Michael Phelps lets the public know that mental health is just as important as physical health. The decorated Olympic swimmer said in an interview that therapy helped him learn to and accept his depression and anxiety. Since then, he has encouraged the talk of men’s mental health and important discussions of mental health in the sports world and beyond.
Kristen Bell, an actress and advocate, has been a vocal supporter of mental health awareness and destigmatization. From becoming an ambassador for wellness platform, Hers, she has publicly shared her personal experiences with anxiety and depression, emphasising the importance of seeking help and practising self-care. Kristen Bell constantly promotes mental health resources and initiatives, encouraging open conversations about mental well-being in interviews as well as on her social media. And her efforts have contributed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and promoting a culture of acceptance and support.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Campaign Against Living Miserably(CALM). This is a national charity that takes a stand against suicide through conversations and lifesaving services. Learn more here.
Sane. This charity seeks to improve the quality of life for people affected by mental illness, they raise awareness, provide support and conduct research to better mental health services. Find out more here.
Active Minds. This nonprofit organisation is based in the US and is dedicated to mental health, especially among young adults, focusing on interaction. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing
