Celebrity Biographies
11 Celebrities Who Struggled With Depression And Emerged From It
Jon Hamm
Jon Hamm’s life and fortune took a steep turn when the role of Don Draper came into his life. mad MenJon changed his life and he’s been grateful for it ever since. He used to be a jobbing actor and often even set up dressing rooms for adult films. When you look at him on screen, Jon reflects a personality of poise and class. However, it is actually said; Never judge a book by its appearance. When Jon was only 20 years old, he suffered from chronic depression due to the death of his father. Jon was terribly affected by this incident and his structured style of work and study helped keep him mentally focused on him. Logically, he was also under treatment and relied on antidepressants and therapy to stay healthy. He recalled the incident in an interview with The Observer and said it was like a downward spiral, in which he only loses hope after losing his father. In the interview, he also mentioned that you can also change a brain’s chemistry and make it function according to your thoughts.
Ashley Judd
If you look at this successful actress, hercareer, husband and solid marriage, you have to think that everything was perfect for Ashley. She is even a humanitarian and is known to have done a lot of work in the sector. However, very few know about Ashley’s struggles she faced growing up. Named in her memoir in 2011, All That Is Bitter and Sweetshe spoke about how she viewed suicideEnd her life when she was just 6 years old! The heartache began when she was only 3 years old when her parents’ marriage started to have problems. Her maternal father, Michael Ciminella, moved out and her mother married Larry Strickland, a gospel singer. Her mother and stepfather had a very violent relationship, so violent that Ashley’s mother actually held a gun against her stepfather. She was also sexually abused by an elderly man and then again by a family member. Even after starting her acting career, Ashley felt an emptiness that kept pulling her down. She was happily married to Dario Franchitti, a racing driver, in 2001 (separated in 2013). In 2006, she enrolled in a 42-day rehabilitation program at Shades Of Hope for her depression. She came out much happier and owes her wellbeing today to the treatment she received. Today, Ashley is a much happier person and giving back through her humanitarian position. Well done Ashley!
Owen Wilson
One of the best comic book actors in the business, Owen Wilson was suffering from depression at the time. He had always shown a very cool and relaxed demeanor, so who would have thought that this cheerful lucky guy was in a difficult state. His public persona is that of a comedian, and we all naturally thought he was fine. In 2007, news emerged of his attempted suicide. He reportedly tried to commit suicide at his California home. It was said that he had a drug problem. Under the care of a closed group of friends and relatives, Owen made a slow and steady recovery. He has even been seen dating and meeting beautiful women, one of which was his ex-girlfriend Carolina Cerisola. He recovered quickly with the help of his brothers and parents.
Paulina Porizkova
The model and actress Paulina suffered fromanxiety and panic attacks for a long time. After having her children, she managed to control her anxiety to the point that it hardly bothered her. After she hit her 40s, it all came back. In 2007, she dropped out of Dancing With The Stars. She recalls her ego getting hurt and the incident that took her back to her school days when she was an unpopular kid. Paulina wasn’t the type to take medication, so she limited herself to that. However, her doctor suggested that talk therapy sessions be held. Paulina explained how her anxiety attacks would work. First, there was the paranoia of getting into an elevator; car or even a bus which was pretty awful for them. She would panic and trigger improper breathing, rapid heartbeat and hot flashes in her body creating a psychological problem that was difficult to overcome. Her doctor even gave her medicine, saying she needed it. Eventually she recognized the side effects of the drugs, let them go and began controlling their fear through movement and willpower. Wow Paulina you are a great example for a lot of women out there.
Heath Ledger
Known for his stunning performance as the Joker in the popular series, BatmanHeath was considered one of the most diverse and unconventional actors on the scene. He was dating Michelle Williams, the mother of her daughter they had together. It is said that after the breakup, Heath fell into a depression. Shortly before his death, he had seen a doctor and reported that he suffered from insomnia, which is why he had started taking medication. The troubled actor was 28 when he died. Sources told PEOPLE that Heath is on medication and has excessive partying issues. Michelle had tried to work out the relationship, but Heath’s drug problem eventually tore them apart. Heath was found dead on his bed and had reportedly overdosed on sleeping pills, painkillers and anxiety medication. Sources gave accounts of Heath’s reckless behavior and outlook on life. Given that Heath was a very talented actor, had he enlisted any form of help there might have been hope for him. Heath was known for being a great dad who absolutely adored his daughter and even got her face tattooed on his stomach. If he probably had at least thought about his daughter and her future before making reckless moves and decisions, perhaps the world today would have its original joker. Heath was known for being a great dad who absolutely adored his daughter and even got her face tattooed on his stomach. If he probably had at least thought about his daughter and her future before making reckless moves and decisions, perhaps the world today would have its original joker. Heath was known for being a great dad who absolutely adored his daughter and even got her face tattooed on his stomach. If he probably had at least thought about his daughter and her future before making reckless moves and decisions, perhaps the world today would have its original joker.
Demi Lovato
Everyone knows the Disney actress and singer Demi Lovato. In 2010, she entered an inpatient treatment facility to combat her mental and physical problems. This incident happened after he took part in the Jonas Brothers World Tour with a dancer. After she finished treatment, Demi bravely addressed her issues. She suffered from anorexia and bulimia. She also said she suffered from bipolar disorder. She found out about her bipolar disorder after starting treatment. In an interview with PEOPLE, she spoke about how she would write seven songs in one night and stay up until 5:30 in the morning. She had no control over her life and after the treatment she felt much better. Demi also mentioned that she struggled with depression, since she was a young girl. When Catherine Zeta-Jones opened up about her Bipolar II disorder, Demi was one of the first to tweet about it and show her support. She realized the importance of informing her fans and doing her part to help overcome such issues. She then mended her broken friendship with Selena Gomez and embarked on a new journey. You are better than ever!
David Arquette
Courtney Cox’s husband, David and Courtney separated in 2010 (divorced officially in 2013). It was evident that the situation affected David as he saw much partying and drinking. He has also been seen irregularly dancing in nightclubs. During a radio interview with Howard Stern, David accepted that he had been drinking too much and was acting like a total lunatic. Shortly thereafter, David entered rehab to treat his drinking problem and depression before it was too late. We think it was a great decision he made at the right time. In April 2011, Arquette confirmed his situation and told his fans about his strange behavior. He then said that he had been sober for 100 days and was finally in better control of his emotions and life.
Andre Waters
The posthumous study found that footballers are prone to concussions due to the way the game is played. Former NFL player Andre Waters committed suicide in November 2006 at the age of 44. The reason for this was a syndrome called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. The concussions cause brain damage and even depression. Since then, it has been known that many football players who lost their lives suffered from the same problem. Andre’s former football-mate Dave Duerson, who was 50 when he took his own life, is said to have been dealing with the same issue. Knowing that these players have brought hope to a club or team, and along with so many other emotions that come with the sporting world, it is truly sad
Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth was a new mom in 2004 when she gavbirth to her daughter Apple. She was a great mother and made sure motherhood was an extraordinary experience for her. She later had a son, Moses in 2006. In an interview with Good HousekeepingGwyneth spoke about how she started feeling like a zombie. She knew something was wrong and different. Paltrow said she couldn’t feel or control her emotions either. She didn’t really believe it could be postpartum depression. In their estimation, postpartum depression meant a person cried daily and also was unable to raise a child. Her ex-husband, Chris Martin, then told her it could be postpartum and that she should get the same checked. After Gwyneth discovered that there are many levels and depths of postpartum depression. Their split in 2015 was sad news for the Martins, but we hope they’re both doing well.
Marissa Jaret Winokur
Here is another example of a different type of postpartum depression. Postpartum is not necessarily intended for women who physically give birth. Marissa, who is a great actress and landed the Tony Award-winning Broadway actress position, got a boy surrogate in 2008. The fear kicked in and she felt stressed and intoxicated on another level. It is said that surrogacy can make postpartum anxiety worse because of the guilt factor. Marissa said she didn’t feel connected to her baby and saw a therapist shortly thereafter. Then she was advised to go back to work and exercise regularly. Her depression slowly disappeared when her son Zev was 10 months old. Punctual,
Amanda Beard
Amanda was the gold medalist at the Atlanta Olympics in swimming, 1996. She was only 14 when she won the title and had to grow up faster because of the media attention she received. With a growth spurt and a 25-pound weight gain, Amanda’s self-esteem took a hit. Once upon a time there was a fit athlete who turned to bulimia and cut herself to battle depression and anger. In 2005, she began taking antidepressants. The pills are said to have helped her a lot and made her healthier. Today, Amanda is off medication and has a baby boy, Blaise Ray Brown, who was born in 2009. However, she admits that life is not yet perfect. In an interview with PEOPLE, Amanda spoke about
With busy lifestyles and constant contact with the camera, we don’t blame celebrities for solving small problems on a much larger scale. With constant judgment, celebrities must have a harder time solving their problems easily and eventually ending up in a therapists’ clinic. Anyhow, we’re glad most of them escaped safe, happy and healthy.