Most everyone has felt the symptoms of depression. But many are surprised to learn that even the most successful celebrities can become depressed…to the point of suicide.
So if you ever feel bad about your depression, or that you’re alone in your suffering, know that it isn’t true. Many successful people can become depressed, and overcome their depression too.
Ashley Judd – Depression, Eating Disorder, Codependence
Judd revealed in 2006 that she suffered from an eating disorder, codependency, and depression. She checked into a treatment center the same year. Ashley later told Glamour magazine that even her roughest day after treatment was better than her best day before treatment.
Billy Joel – Suicidal Depression, Alcoholism
“Billy Joel: The Life and Times of an Angry Young Man,” a book by Hank Bordowitz, revealed an extensive past of depression and alcoholism. The lyrics to “Tomorrow Is Today” was actually derived from a suicide note that Joel wrote before attempting to kill himself by drinking furniture polish in 1970. Joel later recorded “You’re Only Human” in an effort to prevent teenage suicide.
Brooke Shields – Postpartum Depression, Baby Blues
Brooke Shields has been very candid about her experience with postpartum depression. In her book, “Down Came The Rain” she vividly describes an inability to bond with her baby, even saying that she (the baby) felt like a complete stranger to her. She also described thoughts of jumping from a window and visions of her baby being thrown against the wall. The postpartum depression was thought to be the result of accumulating events – stressful infertility treatments, miscarriage, traumatic childbirth, the death of her father just weeks before childbirth, and a family history of depression. Shields was able to recover after seeking treatment and being prescribed an antidepressant. Since 2005, she has spoken on the subject during countless television and magazine interviews. Her use of antidepressants sparked criticism from fellow actor Tom Cruise, which Shields promptly responded to with a New York Times essay on the scientific basis for treating and recognizing postpartum depression with medication.
Buzz Aldrin – Depression, Alcoholism
Aldrin is immortalized in history as one of the first to set foot on the moon. Yet, he too has very publicly spoken to his battle with depression and alcoholism. At a recent fundraiser event, Aldrin said that he wasn’t prepared for his fame. He also pointed out that both of his parents were alcoholics and his mother committed suicide. He spent years in and out of treatment programs before he found success. Aldrin described the desire to send the message that no one is immune from alcoholism and depression and that help is out there as his motivation for sharing his story.
Drew Carey – Depression, Extreme Loneliness
During a 2007 Access Hollywood interview, Carey said that he’d long suffered with depression and had attempted suicide as a teenager and young adult . When asked about the stigma of depression, Carey said that living in Hollywood can disconnect and make you feel like you’re the only one; So, it’s felt, held in, and help isn’t sought because of worries about seeming weak, not getting movie parts, and not getting invited to this or that.
J.K. Rowling – Suicidal Depression
The famed author revealed to the Edinburgh University student magazine that she’d suffered from suicidal depression after separating from her first spouse during her mid-twenties. She credits her daughter as the motivation behind her seeking help.
Owen Wilson – Suicidal Depression
Following a suicide attempt on August 26, 2007, Wilson’s lawyer confirmed that the actor had been undergoing treatment in relation to depression.
Terry Bradshaw – Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia
Terry Bradshaw has been one of the biggest champions in removing the stigma of depression and urging people of all walks of life to seek help. Bradshaw frequently suffered from post-game anxiety attacks, a problem that he admits worsened after his third divorce. He described experiencing anxiety, crying, insomnia, and weight loss. He was diagnosed with clinical depression and has openly spoke about his use of Paxil CR.
Harrison Ford – Depression Symptoms
Yes, the man that played the quintessential tough guy in “Indiana Jones” also suffered symptoms of depression. Ford has described being taunted and physically assaulted by his childhood peers. By college, he was missing class, sleeping long hours, and struggling in his studies. This combination led to him being expelled. Although Ford doesn’t personally characterize this as depression, it does exhibit some typical symptoms of depression.
Diana, Princess of Wales – Postpartum Depression, Self-Mutiplation
Depression even reaches into the lives of royalty. In a 1995 BBC interview, she revealed that she’d suffered from postpartum depression after giving birth to Prince William and used food purging and binging to deal with her martial problems. She also revealed that she’d self-injured herself due to the pressures of her position.
Common Misconceptions About Depression
How society, family, friends, and depressed individuals view depression has a significant impact on seeking help. Depression is often falsely viewed as something that bystanders can fix or that the sufferer can magically make disappear. Depression is a medical condition that merits medical treatment. Not realizing this can amplify the “alone” feeling a depressed person may feel.
A second common misconception is that money, personal or professional successes, and celebrity equate to immunity from depression. Depression has causative factors, like genetics, hormones, and medication side effects, that even celebrity will not negate. Furthermore, celebrities are subject to the same medical conditions, stressors, pressures, and self-esteem issues as everyone else. In closing, a quick look at the number of celebrities that have spoken publicly about their experiences with depression should leave little doubt that depression can strike in all walks of life.
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