As happy and carefree as we may envision celebrities to be, many deal with issues like depression, anxiety, and other forms of mental illness. It should not come as a surprise that celebs are just as prone to mental health issues as the rest of us since nearly 19 million Americans battle depression and mental illness. The worst part is that many never receive treatment or even get a diagnosis. This is why we so appreciate celebrities like Chiquis Rivera sharing that she's been in therapy off and on since she was 12 years old.
Even for celebrities who seem to lead charmed lives, like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, grueling schedules and demanding lifestyles sometimes get the best of them and end up taking a toll on their mental health. Shakira once opened up about her struggle with depression after losing her voice, and J.Lo was candid about her anxiety in her memoir.
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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 bipolar disorder. Sel has also shared with fans that she's stayed at a treatment facility specifically for depression and anxiety on two separate occasions. Demi has spoken out about her bipolar diagnosis and raised awareness for others who are struggling with the disorder as well.
Too often, 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 can be 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, no matter the perceived stigma. The truth is that taking care of your mental health is a health issue. No one would shame you for seeking help for diabetes or heart disease and no one should shame you for seeking help for your mental health either. Scoll through to learn more about some brave celebs who have shared their mental health stories and get inspired!
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.