As perfect as we may envision celebrities to be, they aren't free from dealing with dark issues like depression, anxiety, and mental illness. They are part of the overwhelming statistics, too. Nearly 19 million Americans battle with depression and mental illness and many are left untreated. These Latino celebrities deserve to be admired and respected for being outspoken about their difficult journeys.
Even for celebrities who seem to lead blessed lives, like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, sometimes their grueling schedules and lifestyles get the best of them and end up taking a toll on their mental health. Shakira recently opened up about her struggle with depression after losing her voice, and Jen was candid in her memoir about her anxiety. That goes to show that even the most beautiful and accomplished people on the planet can find themselves in a dark place.
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Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato have been some of the most outspoken celebrities when it comes to mental health and seeking treatment for their bipolar disorder. Sel has shared also with fans that depression and anxiety have caused her to enter a treatment facility on two separate occasions. Demi has spoken out about her bipolar diagnosis and raised awareness for others, like herself, who are struggling with the disorder.
Sometimes the Latino community doesn't take mental health as seriously as we should. Getting professional help, taking medication, or talking to someone like a therapist is often frowned upon, which leaves a lot of our people untreated. These celebrities show us that taking care of your mental health is necessary and should be a priority. Click through to learn more about their stories and get inspired!
–Additional reporting by Sugey Palomares and Karla Rodriguez