Pop culture isn’t just powered by fandoms, franchises, and fantasy worlds; it’s also shaped by the real people behind the spotlight who are brave enough to talk about what’s going on inside their heads. In the past few years, more celebrities have opened up about anxiety, depression, trauma, and burnout, helping chip away at the stigma around mental health. By sharing their stories, they’ve reminded fans that strength doesn’t mean silence. Here’s a reverse countdown of 10 influential public figures who’ve helped shift how we talk about mental health.
10. Jordan Chiles (Olympic Gymnast)
Life as an elite gymnast comes with relentless pressure, and Jordan Chiles has been honest about how that environment affected her relationship with food and her body. Eventually, she turned to a sports psychologist through the U.S. Women’s National Team, a decision that changed everything. Speaking to Teen Vogue, Chiles shared how getting professional support helped her rebuild confidence and reconnect with who she really is. Her story sends a powerful message to young athletes: asking for help can be the strongest move you make.
9. Naomi Osaka (Tennis Champion)
When Naomi Osaka stepped away from the French Open to protect her mental health, it sent shockwaves through the sports world. She later explained that she’d been dealing with depression for years and found press obligations overwhelming due to social anxiety. Her honesty sparked global debate about how athletes are treated and whether mental well-being is taken seriously enough. Osaka didn’t just prioritize herself; she helped force an overdue conversation.
8. Kristen Stewart (Actor)
Kristen Stewart has always marched to her own beat, and that includes being candid about her struggles with anxiety. She’s spoken openly about how intense it became during her early years in Hollywood, describing moments of panic so severe they led to hospitalization. Over time, Stewart has learned to lean into authenticity, choosing what feels right rather than what’s expected. Her openness has resonated with fans who see themselves in her vulnerability.
7. Lili Reinhart (Actor)
Lili Reinhart has used her platform to normalize conversations around therapy and mental health care. The Riverdale star has been transparent about living with anxiety and depression, often reminding fans that therapy isn’t something to be ashamed of. Through social media and interviews, Reinhart emphasizes that mental health support isn’t just for emergencies; it’s for anyone who wants to feel better and more balanced.
6. Sophie Turner (Actor)
Growing up in front of millions of viewers isn’t easy, and Sophie Turner has been honest about how public scrutiny took a toll on her mental health. She’s shared how cruel comments about her appearance contributed to depression and dark thoughts during her teenage years. With the help of therapy and medication, Turner found her footing again. Today, she speaks out to encourage young people to seek help and tune out toxic online noise.
5. Billie Eilish (Musician)
Billie Eilish’s music has always worn its heart on its sleeve, and her interviews are no different. She’s talked openly about depression, body image struggles, and how fame intensified her inner battles. In conversations with outlets like Apple Music, Eilish has explained how mental health challenges shaped much of her life and art. Her honesty has made her a lifeline for fans who see their own feelings reflected in her lyrics.
4. Selena Gomez (Musician & Actor)
Selena Gomez has transformed her personal struggles into a mission to help others. After opening up about anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, she launched Wondermind, a mental health platform aimed at education and access. Through the Rare Impact Fund, she’s committed to raising millions for mental health resources. Her documentary My Mind & Me offers an unfiltered look at her journey, proving that healing isn’t linear, and that’s okay.
3. Prince Harry (Royal & Veteran)
Prince Harry has become one of the most prominent advocates for mental health, particularly for veterans and men. In interviews and his memoir Spare, he’s described years of unresolved grief after losing his mother, which later manifested as anxiety and panic attacks. Therapy played a major role in his healing, and he now encourages others, especially those raised to suppress emotion, to speak openly and seek support.
2. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Actor & Wrestler)
Dwayne Johnson may be known for his larger-than-life persona, but he’s been refreshingly open about his battles with depression. After an injury ended his football career, Johnson hit a low point that forced him to reevaluate everything. He credits close friendships and self-awareness for helping him through it. These days, he regularly checks in with fans online, reminding them that mental health struggles don’t cancel out strength.
1. Ryan Reynolds (Actor)
Ryan Reynolds tops the list for his consistent, honest conversations about anxiety. He’s spoken about living with it for most of his life and how managing it is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Reynolds has shared that meditation, self-reflection, and humor help keep him grounded, and that anxiety has actually made him more empathetic as a parent and partner. His openness has helped normalize anxiety for millions of fans.
From Olympic champions to movie stars, these public figures prove that mental health challenges don’t care about fame, success, or status. By sharing their stories, they’ve helped make vulnerability feel less isolating and shown that talking about mental health isn’t a weakness, but a powerful step toward healing.