Photo: Focus Features
Depression is a popular thing, whether you care to admit it or not, but maybe you don’t realize just how much it’s affecting people. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly 20 percent of people suffer from anxiety, the most common mental illness, while nearly half of that suffer from diagnosed clinical depression. But the real kicker is the percent of people who either aren’t diagnosed or don’t even realize they have a problem, a number that can’t be easily quantified, even yourself perhaps.
Depression has become uncomfortably taboo, even in a time of great progressiveness, along with the likes of homophobia, gender identity and the most taboo of all: suicide. White males are currently on the rise of having the highest suicide rate in America, possibly due to falling into brackets of “white privilege” and “first world problems” that don’t seem fit to request help. People who do address the topic are more often than not subject to public ridicule, thanks to our pride and joy: the internet, TV shows like 13 Reasons Why being the most recent victim for its depiction of suicide.
Our purpose here is not to debate, but to address a quiet, giant demon in our culture, much worse than Nickelback or nose picking, so we figured bringing in a comedy writer to talk ironically about depression might help make it less uncomfortable. We all know by now that some of the funniest people battle the darkest demons, and unfortunately, we’ve lost more than we can count in recent years. While normally we’re all about boobs and jokes, if we’re talking about depression, you know it’s important to address it
Have a look at these celebrities below, great men and women who seemingly have it all together, who have fallen victim to it in one way or another. Maybe then you won’t be too uncomfortable to bring it up, if it’s bothering you.
A Comedy Writer Talks Ironically About Battling Depression And Maybe You Should Listen
Hey, you’re not alone. This clip from It’s Kind of a Funny Story will show you that.
For something a bit lighter: Ranking the 12 Best Live-Action Disney Movies of All Time
Depression Talk
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Brad Pitt
Photo: via GQ
In a recent GQ spread, Pitt acknowledges he was a bit of a drinker his whole life, that he could drink a Russian under the table. Since the fallout of his marriage and loss of his kids, he's since quit drinking, addressed his demons and gotten into pottery and crafts.
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Jon Hamm
Photo: via Newsweek
The former mad man opened up in late 2016 about his stint in rehab, battling addiction and depression, claiming "life throws a lot at you sometimes." Rehab was referred to as an "extended period" of self discovery.
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Lady Gaga
Photo: via Billboard
If you couldn't tell she struggled with physical identity, the pop singer openly admits to battling depression most of her life. The fame and pressure likely doesn't help.
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Heath Ledger
Photo: via NY Post
In a new documentary, the cheerful early life of Heath is met by the dark ending, of which is apparent in the diary that surfaced after his death shortly after filming his methodic role as The Joker.
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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Photo: via Miami.com
If someone as big and as tough as The Rock can get depression, anybody can. Considered the "absolute worst time" of his life, Johnson used his depression as a catalyst to move forward in his career.
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Philip Seymour Hoffman
Photo: via New York Times
No matter how smart or talented, everybody is subject to their demons. Artists, especially, have been known to use theirs as inspirations, but sometimes they can get the better of you, which became incredibly apparent upon the drug-induced death of Philip Seymour Hoffman in 2014. The last few months were documented as a private struggle to cope with troubles of his personal life.
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Owen Wilson
Photo: via Ranker
The goofiest guy of all came close to ending his life, making it clear that even the most seemingly happy people struggle. Wilson's 2007 suicide attempt came right around the time of You, Me and Dupree, a comedy that would never got us guessing he suffered from depression.
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Demi Lovato
Photo: via Billboard
Having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Lovato also admits to struggling with drug addiction, two things that don't mix well. People with depression should be very wary of drug use if they're experiencing anxiety or depression, even if it's coming from a doctor.
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Robin Williams
Photo: via Parade
His extensive battle with alcohol came to a head in 2014 when the long-time comedy actor and classic standup hung himself. Even after great success and multiple stints in rehab, Williams still suffered to the very end.
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Chris Cornell
Photo: via weedstream.com
The saddest case, which kicked a lot of this dirt up, was the recent passing of Soundgarden singer and all-around-good-guy, Chris Cornell. Most people would tell you he was the sweetest guy, very giving and thoughtful, a great father, friend and husband. Despite being sober for nearly 15 years, it was a doctor's prescription that did him in. Mixing pills with anxiety and depression is bad news, so if you only take one thing away, it's to address depression by talking to someone, not masking it with drugs of any kind. And use your experience as an excuse for personal growth to make and do great things. Be safe!
