Raising awareness about mental health and stigma is crucial in creating a more compassionate world for people living with mental illness. In recent years, many celebrities have used their influence to spark conversations about mental well-being. Some have shared openly about their personal struggles through their music and advocacy work, encouraging people to seek help when they need it. Today, we’re highlighting 10 celebrities who have released impactful songs and spoken out about mental health, helping to raise awareness and break down stigma.
1. Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato, a long-time mental health advocate, has bravely shared her journey with the public. She has spoken about her experience with bipolar disorder, addiction, and bulimia. Demi’s openness has helped dispel stereotypes and fostered honest discussions about mental health. Her song “Skyscraper” is a powerful anthem that promotes self-love and rising above challenges, serving as an inspiration to many facing mental health struggles and navigating their own paths to recovery.
2. Logic
Logic’s song “1-800-273-8255” (featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid) is titled after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States. Through his lyrics, Logic speaks directly to those who are considering suicide, reducing stigma and reminding listeners that it’s okay to ask for help.
In the song “Save Myself,” Ed Sheeran reflects on the importance of self-care and recognizing when to prioritize your own mental health. The song serves as a reminder to take care of yourself and your well-being, even when you feel the responsibility of being there for others, too.
4. Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes opens up about his experience with anxiety in his song “In My Blood” and sings about resilience in the face of mental health challenges. He offers a message of hope for people who are struggling, helping them feel less alone.
5. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has advocated for mental health both in her music and through her non-profit organization Born This Way Foundation, which she co-founded with her mother. The foundation supports the mental well-being of young people and aligns with our mission at Stigma-Free Society. The purpose of Born This Way Foundation is to “make kindness cool, validate the emotions of young people, and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health.”
6. Alessia Cara
Alessia Cara’s “Scars to Your Beautiful” promotes self-acceptance and challenges societal standards of beauty. The song touches on the relationship between body image and mental well-being, while encouraging listeners to embrace their uniqueness.
7. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez has been transparent about her experiences with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, leveraging her platform to encourage public dialogue about mental health. She released a documentary called “My Mind & Me” in 2022 and a song by the same name, where she discusses her mental health in-depth and shares her inspiring journey.
8. Halsey
Halsey’s music touches on themes of identity, self-awareness, and challenges related to mental health. She has been open about her journey with bipolar disorder, namely with the release of her third studio album titled “Manic.” As part of her advocacy, Halsey also posted a YouTube video titled “A Conversation About Bipolar Disorder” where she shared about her experience, provided education, and created a fundraiser for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
9. Ariana Grande
Ariana has spoken out about the challenges she has faced with her mental health, specifically trauma and anxiety, in her music and in interviews. Ariana’s music works toward dismantling mental health stigma, from her song “breathin” which details her experience with anxiety, to “Get Well Soon,” where she offers a hopeful message for people facing mental health challenges.
10. Bebe Rexha
Bebe has worked to raise awareness about mental health, speaking about her diagnosis of bipolar disorder in interviews and highlighting that mental illness is more common than people may think. In her song “Break My Heart Myself,” she sings about her experience with mental illness and remarks, “5.7 of Americans know it,” referencing the number of Americans who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder as of 2007 according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Check out our Stories of Stigma Documentaries to learn more about mental health and celebrities who have helped reduce stigma. Our Introduction video offers a deeper dive into the advocacy work of Demi Lovato and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who shared about his depression diagnosis and showed that there is strength in reaching out for support. Also, read about the story of actress Alexia Fast, a Canadian actress and Stigma-Free Brand Ambassador who teamed up with us to break the stigma around mental health!
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By: Monique Zizzo
