#RealTalk: 7 Stars Who Got Real About Depression

“Sticking it through is always going to be worth it, no matter what,” says 5SOS’ Ashton Irwin

Do you ever struggle with depression? Since it can be so isolating, it’s extremely important to know that you are not alone. It’s estimated that 20% of teens will deal with depression before they enter adulthood. And while celebs may seem to have the perfect lives when they’re walking the red carpet and performing sold-out concerts, they’re not excluded from that number.

Here are the stories of 7 celebrities who bravely opened up about their battles with depression.

5SOS’ Ashton Irwin & Michael Clifford

In October 2015, Ashton said he dealt with depression during 5SOS’ Rock Out with Your Socks Out Tour. “I told Luke, ‘I’m depressed, I hate this,'” he shared. Months earlier, his band mate Michael Clifford revealed to concertgoers that he’d been in therapy to help resolve his own mental health issues.

The band channeled those feelings into their latest album, specifically the song, “Carry On.” Ashton explains, “It’s straight-up saying you know it is going to get better. Sticking it through is always going to be worth it, no matter what.”

Halsey

Halsey opened up about her bipolar disorder and depression in May 2015. “I’m entitled to my emotions,” she said. “Unfortunately, because of the circumstance that I deal with, it’s a little more than other people.” She was diagnosed when she was 16-years-old and her mom lives with the same disorders.

Demi Lovato

In November 2010, Demi entered a rehab facility to seek treatment for depression and self-harm. She was later diagnosed with bulimia and bipolar disorder. Since then, Demi has inspired millions by bravely sharing her personal struggles and parlaying them into stunning songs. Listen to “Skyscraper” and “Warrior” and you’ll see. And just this week, she was named the mental health ambassador for Global Citizen. Go Demi!

Rowan Blanchard

Rowan Blanchard revealed her “ups and downs with depression” via Instagram.

In her inspiring caption, she explained how difficult it is to be a teenager in today’s world: “I realized that instead of rejecting and ostracizing these teenage feelings, I can learn to love the intensity of them and know that everything is momentary.”

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne sent out a series of tweets in March 2016 detailing her experience with depression and what she described as “self-hatred.” She said she was working towards learning “how to not pick apart [her] every flaw.” Cara’s goal now is to inspire others to have conversations about mental illness in their own lives: “Mental illness goes unseen, but I don’t want it to be unheard.”

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres says that she sunk into a deep depression after her sitcom was canceled.

Thankfully, she got through it, and came out (literally) stronger than ever! Ellen’s talk show has aired over 2,000 episodes and she’s won the People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Daytime TV Host” 14 times! She’s pretty much the greatest person ever and we wish we were her BFF!

Whatever you might be feeling, just know you’re not alone, and there are resources available to you. Stay strong. And like they say, “Tough times don’t last – tough people do.”

Don’t ever stop believin’ cause we believe in you! xoxo, #TeamYSBnow 

If you or someone you know needs help dealing with their depression, visit the resources available here.