You’re Not Alone: Celebrities who Suffer from Anxiety

Would it surprise you to learn that there are many celebrities suffer from anxiety?

Perhaps it shouldn’t. Modern-day celebrity can be a stressful existence with the constant scrutiny of cameras and the public. Not all celebrities find this an easy way to live.

Panic attacks are a common manifestation of anxiety. Persistent panic attacks are known as panic disorder. Well, known celebrity sufferers include Kim Basinger, Kate Moss, Emma Stone and Johnny Depp. Scarlett Johannsson has also spoken of anxiety attacks when she is filming and the singer Adele suffers from anxiety attacks, as well as extreme stage fright.

Singer John Mayer has been open about the many variations of anxiety that he has suffered, including panic attacks, and his tendency to worry and question things. He has said that he keeps anxiety medication with him at all times as an insurance policy against anxiety attacks.

One of the most famous women in the world, Barbra Streisand was unable to perform in public for years after forgetting the words to one of her songs while performing. This episode triggered panic attacks and anxiety that were so extreme she was simply afraid to perform. After almost 30 years, Streisand was able to overcome her anxiety and start to perform again. Donny Osmond is another very famous sufferer. He worried about his success and letting down the other members of the family whose success he thought depended on his, as well as people who worked for him. When it all became too much, he would suffer panic attacks that sometimes ended with him curling up in the corner of the room, unable to deal with anything. Osmond sought treatment and that has helped him handle his anxiety.

George Michael, Heather Locklear and Leann Rimes have also sought treatment for anxiety and depression, with Michael cancelling a tour of Australia to go into treatment after underestimating the impact his anxiety was having on him.

OCD is another condition that accompanies anxiety. One of the most famous sufferers is Cameron Diaz, who counts chronic handwashing among her symptoms. David Beckham is another sufferer. In Beckham’s case, he is obsessed with order and tidiness. Howie Mandel’s OCD is centred on a deep fear of germs. He inspects all his hotel rooms for cleanliness and travels on private planes to avoid the possibility of germs on commercial flights.

So, if you are suffering from anxiety, not only are you not alone, but you share your condition with some of the most famous people in the world.