What Celebrities Have Said About Their Depression, in Their Own Words

If there's one true thing about the disease of depression, it's that this serious mental illness doesn't discriminate: It can impact people of all ages and of all different walks of life. Though it's easy to think of the world's biggest stars as having it all, the truth is that depression can affect celebrities, too — wealth and fame are no protection against this debilitating health condition, after all. In fact, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, depression affects more than 16.1 million adults in the United States alone. What's more, it's the leading cause of disability in the nation for people between the ages of 15 and 44.

Despite the widespread prevalence of the disease, though, there unfortunately still remains a certain stigma around mental health issues — but in recent years, more and more celebrities have been opening up about their struggles with depression and anxiety disorders, helping to lift the stigma around mental illness one by one. For some of these well-known singers, actors, and athletes, the condition lasted for years; for others, it thankfully receded with treatment. And a few stars have even started foundations or organizations in order to help others who are grappling with the disease. To remind you that no one is alone in their struggles with this condition, here are 22 celebrities who have spoken out in recent years about their own battles with depression — and if you or a loved one is struggling with depression, remember that there are always a number of resources to help.