Celebrities with PTSD Who Have Spoken Out
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects people from all walks of life, including celebrities. These celebrities with PTSD have bravely shared their experiences, showing that healing from trauma is a journey. Here are seven celebrities who have spoken openly about their struggles with PTSD and the steps they’ve taken toward recovery.
- Charlize Theron
Backstory: Charlize Theron, an Oscar-winning actress known for roles in Mad Max: Fury Road and Monster, experienced trauma in her childhood when her mother defended herself against Charlize’s father. This event left a lasting impact on her mental health.
“I have dealt with that tragedy my whole life, and it has been a hard journey.” — Charlize Theron
What Helped:
“Therapy has been incredibly important… you need a safe space to talk about these things.” — Charlize Theron
- Shia LaBeouf
Backstory: Shia LaBeouf, known for his roles in Transformers and Holes, has been vocal about how challenging experiences in childhood led to struggles with PTSD.
“I got PTSD from that, for sure. I’m trying to keep it at bay.” — Shia LaBeouf
What Helped:
“Art, for me, is healing. I write, I act, I create… It helps me work through things.” — Shia LaBeouf
- Monica Seles
Backstory: Monica Seles, a world-renowned tennis champion, faced trauma after being attacked on the court during a match. This event left her with severe anxiety and PTSD symptoms.
“For years I struggled with fear and anxiety…It was so hard to return to my normal life.” — Monica Seles
What Helped:
“Getting back on the court gave me a sense of strength and freedom.” — Monica Seles
- Mick Jagger
Backstory: Mick Jagger, the legendary lead singer of The Rolling Stones, faced significant trauma after losing his partner, which deeply affected his mental health.
“You have to go through the grief and the trauma. It takes time to heal.” — Mick Jagger
What Helped:
“For me, it’s about staying connected with my family and the people who understand.” — Mick Jagger
- Lady Gaga
Backstory: Lady Gaga, the Grammy-winning pop star and actress, has openly discussed her PTSD, which stems from trauma she experienced as a teenager.
“I suffer from a mental illness, and I struggle with that every day.” — Lady Gaga
What Helped:
“Meditation, therapy, and connecting with my fans—they all help me heal.” — Lady Gaga
- Demi Lovato
Backstory: Demi Lovato, a popular singer and mental health advocate, has shared that early-life trauma led to her struggles with PTSD and other mental health issues.
“I went through a lot in my childhood, and it’s something I have to work on constantly.” — Demi Lovato
What Helped:
“Meditation, therapy, and surrounding myself with people who support me has been my healing process.” — Demi Lovato
- Whoopi Goldberg
Backstory: Whoopi Goldberg, a beloved actress and co-host of The View, witnessed the tragic events of 9/11, which triggered PTSD symptoms, including a long-lasting fear of flying.
“I couldn’t get on a plane for years… it just haunted me.” — Whoopi Goldberg
What Helped:
“Talking it out, just finding people to talk with, was what helped the most.” — Whoopi Goldberg
These celebrities show that PTSD doesn’t have to define a person’s life. Their stories and the actions they take to heal offer hope and demonstrate that recovery is possible with the right support, self-care, and courage. Mental health and substance abuse have a wide impact. You and your loved ones deserve wellness.
At Waterside Behavioral Health, we believe that healing is possible for all. Call today (774) 619-7750 to discover your path to healing.
