Mental illnesses can feel like they get in the way of just about everything when you have one, and they can make you feel unworthy and like you’re not good enough to reach your goals. Even if you don’t have a mental illness, we all have moments where we feel incapable, unworthy, and alone. But the thing is, that’s just a lie your brain is trying to tell you – you are perfectly capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.
Repeat after me: I can accomplish things despite my challenges/mental illnesses. People with mental illnesses are no less capable of achieving our goals, it is just more difficult to achieve them. For inspiration, I’ve come up with a list of successful women who have done amazing things even though they’ve suffered from a mental illness. These iconic women are an excellent example of what you can do even when you’re fighting a battle within your own mind:
- Brooke Shields – Actress in spite of Postpartum Depression
- Demi Lovato – Singer and actress through Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anorexia, Bulimia, and Substance Abuse
- J.K. Rowling – Best-Selling author despite Depression
- Oprah Winfrey – CEO of Oprah Winfrey Network and talk show host even through PTSD and Anxiety
- Sarah Silverman – Successful comedian despite Depression
- Ariana Grande – Actress and singer in spite of Anxiety
- Camila Cabello – Singer regardless of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Mariah Carey – Award winning singer working through Bipolar Disorder
- Kendall Jenner – Model with Anxiety
- Gina Rodriguez – Actress suffering from Anxiety
- Lady Gaga – Award winning singer pushing through PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety
- Emma Stone – Actress killing it with Anxiety
- Kim Kardashian – Model working through Anxiety
- Paula Abdul – Singer and dancer who overcame Bulimia
- Carrie Fisher – Actress in spite of Bipolar Disorder and Depression
- Kate Spade – Designer despite Depression and Anxiety
- Princess Diana – Princess who overcame Bulimia
- Alanis Morissette – Singer who conquered Anorexia
- Kristen Bell – Actress pushing through Depression
- Cara Delevingne – Model and actress with Depression
- Adele – Award winning singer even with Anxiety
- Ellen Degeneres – Comedian and talk show host despite Depression
- Selena Gomez – Actress and singer working through Anxiety and Depression
It’s clear from this list that anyone can suffer from mental illnesses, whether you’re rich or poor, famous or not, young or old, straight or LGBTQ – and that it’s possible to overcome your challenges. Although, this list only includes women I was able to find speaking about their mental illnesses, and there could be many more women we look up to who have chosen to stay silent about their struggles.
These women have turned their pain into art, and have used their setbacks to make them the strong and talented women they are. They are who they are because of everything they’ve been through and learned along the way, and the same is true for you. You are stronger now than you were, because of what your obstacles or illness has put you through. Turn your difficulties into fuel for your fire – moments of difficulty will come, but they will teach you lessons you will use for the future. Lastly, people with mental illnesses CAN do hard things and kick butt, just like these women!
Having a mental illness is not just being “sad” about your life – these women have fabulous lives, but their brains just don’t produce the right hormones. Mental illnesses don’t make a person any less capable of achieving their goals, it only adds more obstacles in the way. So keep pushing through your obstacles, and don’t give up on your goals!
xo, Lauren