Angelo Ruelan
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Hidden beneath the lavish lifestyles of some musicians is a silent battle they aren’t comfortable discussing: the struggle with mental illnesses. Even the richest and most successful people are not immune from these issues.
In this article, we’ll explore brave singers who struggle with mental illness, shedding light on their experiences and highlighting them as beacons of hope and examples for those who share the same struggles.
25 Singers Who Struggle with Mental Illness
1. Ed Sheeran
First on our list of singers who struggle with mental illness is the celebrated superstar Ed Sheeran. The “Shape of You” singer has opened up about his crippling social anxiety, a disorder that causes intense and persistent fear of being watched or judged by others.
He has stated that meeting large groups of people makes him feel “claustrophobic” and like a “zoo animal.”
Related: 78 Ed Sheeran Facts
2. Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys battles schizoaffective disorder and mild manic depression. Medical experts claimed that the singer’s recurring drug use caused the root of it. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was able to recover and shared that treatment was able to help him with the dire situation.
Related: 25 Performers You Must See Before You Die
3. Janet Jackson
Five-time Grammy award winner Janet Jackson is also one of many singers who struggle with mental illness. The “Together Again” singer shared how she was previously diagnosed with depression and how motherhood has helped her find joy in this current chapter of her life.
Related: Janet Jackson’s Net Worth
4. Kurt Cobain
The legendary Kurt Cobain of Nirvana tragically became one of the singers who succumbed to the challenges of mental illness. Cobain battled addiction, endured untreated ADD that he had since childhood, and wrestled with bipolar disorder.
Unfortunately, the Nirvana singer lost his battle with his mental illness, taking his own life at the age of 27.
Related: How Did Kurt Cobain Die?
5. Halsey
Pop icon Halsey has been vocal about her experience with bipolar disorder. She was diagnosed with the condition as a teen and has recently used her platform to educate others about the condition.
6. Frank Sinatra
Behind the curtains, the fame of the illustrious Frank Sinatra is shadowed by his volatile temper. Though Sinatra never disclosed the status of his mental health, he famously called himself an “18-karat manic-depressive” who “lived a life of violent emotional contradictions” in a 1963 interview with Playboy.
Related: How Did Frank Sinatra Die?
7. Mariah Carey
Remarkable diva Mariah Carey is next on our list of singers who struggle with mental illness. The certified hitmaker was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder in 2001, which involves periods of depression and hypomania. Though she initially lived in denial and isolation, she eventually got treatment for her mental health issues.
8. Billie Eilish
Multi-Grammy-award-winning artist Billie Eilish has often addressed themes of depression and mental health, whether that’s through her music or in interviews.
She first experienced depression when she was 13 years old after a bad hip injury left her unable to continue dancing. The “Happier Than Ever” singer has battled with the illness ever since.
Eilish has recently sought therapy and stated that she’s in a much better place now.
Related: Billie Eilish’s Net Worth
9. Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake, a multi-Grammy and Emmy award-winning singer, has found a way to manage his issues with mental illness and lead a thriving, accomplished life. The actor confirmed during an interview in 2008 that he has adult ADHD mixed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
10. Pink
Who would have thought that the rock and roll punk legend Pink would also be a part of our list of singers who struggle with mental illness? It’s proof that anyone can deal with it.
Pink suffers from depression and anxiety. In one interview, she recalled instances when her panic attacks would land her in the hospital.
With her therapist’s help, she eventually slowly recovered. “Writing songs is probably the thing that has saved my life,” Pink said.
Related: 16 Singers Who Suffer from a Disease
11. Amy Winehouse
The career of Amy Winehouse is often eclipsed by her manic depression. The legendary singer is candid in her music about her battles and struggles.
She was diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse, but unfortunately, her condition remained untreated.
Her tragic death in 2011 serves as a reminder of the critical importance of seeking help and support for individuals dealing with mental health challenges.
Related: 22 Singers Who Died Too Soon
12. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber is also on our list of singers who struggle with mental illness. In one interview, he revealed that there were many times when he felt suicidal. The singer battles anxiety and depression and has sometimes been driven to self-medicating.
Related: Justin Bieber Biography
13. Lady Gaga
No one talks about how difficult Lady Gaga‘s journey was. Before her rise to fame, at the age of 19, she was repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped, which led her to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The singer experienced severe psychological distress and silently battled it for a long time. Thankfully, she’s now in a better place – the “Rain on Me” singer has taken medication and has been healing ever since.
Related: 33 Musicians Who Look Younger Than They Are
14. Zayn Malik
Like many of the singers who struggle with mental illness, Zayn Malik has also opened up about his anxiety and eating disorder. The singer often experienced panic attacks that got so bad that he had to cancel some of his performances.
Fortunately, he’s gotten help and is in a better place than he used to be.
Related: 17 Musicians Who Came from Nothing
15. Sinéad O’Connor
The legendary and ever-eccentric Sinéad O’Connor also suffered from multiple mental illnesses. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and borderline personality disorder.
Among the causes of O’Connor’s condition are that she endured various forms of abuse from her mother as a child and lost her son to suicide in 2022. She still bravely fought her mental illness until her last breath.
While the exact cause of her passing remains a mystery, there is widespread speculation that she may have tragically lost her battle with mental illness. May she find peace.
Related: 232 Celebrities Who Died in 2023
16. Jimi Hendrix
Named by Rolling Stone as the Greatest Guitar Player Of All Time, the legendary American guitarist Jimi Hendrix was also riddled with bipolar disorder. In his song “Manic Depression,” he described his trouble with mood swings and the “frustrating mess” caused by his illness.
Related: How Did Jimi Hendrix Die?
17. Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus‘ early exposure to millions of people placed an immense burden on her. The pressure to look beautiful all the time also took a toll on Miley Cyrus, leading to depression.
There were moments when she would break down and lock herself in a room. On one occasion, her father even had to break the door down to help her.
Related: Miley Cyrus’ Biography and Net Worth
18. Katy Perry
Katy Perry shocked the world when she opened up about her mental health in 2017. The effervescent pop star was reportedly diagnosed with clinical depression and was bombarded with suicidal thoughts.
The “I Kissed a Girl” singer recalled how she put pressure on herself and was ashamed of admitting she was on medication.
She has been open about taking medication for her condition and getting the help she needed.
Related: 22 Times Singers Fell Onstage
19. Adele
Motherhood is a very significant thing. However, some may experience considerable hardships after becoming a mother, as seen in the case of Adele.
In 2012, the singer got candid about how becoming a mother for the first time nine years ago gave her postpartum depression, a type of depression that happens after giving birth.
Related: 20 Best Adele Songs
20. Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar has never been the one to shy away from opening up about his experiences with mental illness. He often expresses it through songs such as “u,” which discusses his inner demons and saboteurs.
The rapper, however, only alludes and hasn’t shared his diagnosis. Many speculate that he has bipolar disorder.
Related: 14 Best Rappers
21. Demi Lovato
Next on our list of singers who struggle with mental illness is former Disney star Demi Lovato, who also deals with bipolar disorder and depression. She was diagnosed as early as 2011 and has been living with the illness for a long time.
Lovato bravely recounts going to rehab after years of struggling with bulimia, cutting, and drug addiction. “I’ve never felt more comfortable and confident in my skin than I did today… Recovery and body acceptance IS possible!!!!” she said in a tweet after seeking help and treatment.
Related: Demi Lovato’s Net Worth
22. Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande startled the pop world when she shared a brain scan that revealed she has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition was attributed to a tragic bombing incident at her Manchester concert, which took the lives of 22 people.
Despite this, the singer continues to cope and heal, spreading awareness about the real and painful experiences of those who face the same struggle.
Related: Why Has Ariana Grande Lost So Much Weight?
23. Syd Barrett
Syd Barrett, a founding member of Pink Floyd, is unfortunately also a part of our list of singers who struggle with mental illness.
Though his diagnosis remains unclear, experts have speculated that Barret had schizophrenia or bipolar disorder after his behavior became erratic.
Related: 25 Celebrities Who Disappeared from the Spotlight
24. Bruce Springsteen
At the age of 69, Bruce Springsteen got candid in an interview with Esquire regarding his long battle with mental health. He revealed that he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia towards the end of his father’s life.
The singer stressed how much receiving treatment helped him. I’m sure his songs were sometimes a byproduct of his struggles.
Related: Bruce Springsteen’s Net Worth
25. Kanye West
Last on our list of singers who struggle with mental illness is Kanye West. The legendary rapper has previously spoken about his struggles with bipolar disorder ever since a 2016 health scare landed him in a hospital. Kanye’s impulsiveness and recent behavior is said to be consistent with the symptoms of a manic episode.
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