CHAPTER ONE DEPRESSION AND THE FAMOUS
-THERE IS NO FULFILLMENT IN things whatsoever. And I think one of the reasons that depression reigns supreme amongst the rich and famous is some of them thought that maybe those things would bring them happiness. But what, in fact, does is having a cause, having a passion. And thatās really what gives lifeās true meaning. -Ben Carson
Depression is a serious mental health issue. This illness can happen to any person at any time. People become sad and hopeless. Anyone can become depressed regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, and race. Famous people such as actors, actresses, and singers have suffered from depression. Money doesnāt buy happiness all the time. These are some famous people that have had battles with depression.
Jon Hamm
At the age of 20 Hamm suffered from a serious episode of depression. After his father died he became depressed. He said that a structured environment kept him busy and helped him break out of it. He was in college and working at the time. He also attended therapy sessions and used antidepressants at this time. It took him some time but he was able to break away from the depression and get out of bed. He went on to have a successful career.
Ashley Judd
Judd has a great career today, a loving family, and does humanitarian work to help give back. Things were not always good for her. When she was in sixth grade she was depressed and considered suicide to end it all. She got so bad that she went to a rehab clinic and stayed there for 42 days. She said that the clinic saved her and taught how her to handle life situations. She was able to reconnect with her family. She also found that helping others through charity work has helped. She was able to make peace with her past and bring something positive into her life.
Owen Wilson
To those that look at Wilson now it seems like he is pretty laid back. In 2007 Wilson was so depressed that he attempted suicide. In addition to depression he had issues with drug abuse that made his depression worse. Wilson sought help for his troubles. He got clean and stopped using drugs. He also spent time with friends and family to help bring him out of his depression.
Heath Ledger
Heath was a star that did not survive his depression. He overdosed on a mixture of sleeping pills, pain killers, and anxiety medication. After he died it became public that he suffered from depression for a number of years. Due to his depression and reckless behavior he lost his wife and she took custody of their daughter. Heath was a tragic loss due to depression and the feeling of hopelessness.
Demi Lovoto
This singer and actress had a very public experience with depression. In 2010 things got so bad that she checked herself into a treatment facility to help her deal with emotional and physical issues. She did this to get her life under control. While she was suffering from depression she was also suffering from anorexia, bulimia, and she found out that she has bipolar disorder. She went through manic periods and now with the correct treatment she has her life under control.
David Arquette
After splitting from his wife in 2010 David went through a time of depression. He was drinking often and exhibiting some reckless behavior. David went to a treatment facility to deal with his depression as well as his alcohol use. He got sober in treatment and learned coping skills. He also go more in touch with his emotions and learned to express them in a healthy manner.
Catherine Zeta Jones
This actress has a loving husband , a great career, and she is beautiful. She also suffers from bipolar II and severe depression. Since her diagnosis she has found ways to deal with life and improve her mental health. She is sharing her story with the world in hopes to help others.
Andre Waters
Waters was a football player in the NFL. Many people including his family and fans were surprised when he committed suicide in 2006. It turned out he was suffering from depression and brain damage that may have been caused by concussions from playing football. Those close to him say that his feeling of sadness would not go away and he took his life in order to escape it.
Gwyneth Paltrow
This actress seemed to have it all. Aft...