20 celebrities you didn’t know were mentally challenged

Millions of people suffer from various mental health issues worldwide, includingsome of our favorite celebrities. While many celebrities don’t talk publically about their mental challenges, others speak out in order to raise awareness.

Here are 20 celebrities you didn’t know were mentally challenged:

1. Cher

Cher struggles with dyslexia. She struggled with reading and writing all through grade school and dropped out of school at the age of 16. However, she didn’t discover she had dyslexia until she was 30.

2. Catherine Zeta Jones

In 2011, Catherine Zeta Jones announced that was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, a mental disorder characterized by excessive mood swings. She has since undergone inpatient treatment for the illness.

3. Daryl Hannah

Daryl Hannah was “blacklisted” from Hollywood because she struggled with Asperger’s Syndrome, a disorder often described as having social skill deficits, reluctance to listen, difficulty understanding social give and take, and other characteristics. Hannah admits that she almost ruined her career because she was so nervous about doing self-promotion as it involves talking to lots of people.

4. Mel Gibson

In a 2008 documentary, Gibson stated that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Some of his rage-filled behavior is consistent with that of a person who suffers from the disorder. It as serious illness and approximately 10-15% of people with bipolar disorder commit suicide. It is also associated with alcohol abuse.

5. Henry Winkler

It’s difficult to imagine that Henry “Fonzie” Winkler grapples with dyslexia. He struggled throughout his school years, and at age 31, he finally understood what was wrong while making a documentary about dyslexia.

6. Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps, winner of 14 Olympic gold medals, was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at the age of 9. Since then, he has overcome many challenges related to his condition.

7. Jay Leno

Comedian and former host of The Tonight Show Jay Leno believes he was able to overcome his dyslexia with a positive attitude, humor, and hard work. While he struggled in school, he was able to excel with the help of his supportive teachers.

8. J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling has battled severe depression. In fact, the first Harry Potter book was written during an episode of depression.

9. Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie battled depression and self-mutilation when she was in her teens and early twenties. Angelina stated, “It’s that middle stage when you might not know what life means that is the dangerous time. But I don’t have that anymore.”

10. Thomas Edison

In school, Edison’s mind often wandered. He was terrible in math, unable to focus, and had difficulty with his speech. He also suffered from deafness due to a bout of scarlet fever during childhood. He was dyslexic, a problem child, and a mischief.

11. Abraham Lincoln

The 16th president of the United States battled clinical depression. Yet, his condition gave him the very tools to save our nation.

12. Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson is infamous for his violent behavior, and in 1998, had an evaluation to see if he was mentally fit to box again. The evaluation found signs of almost lifelong depression and neurological behavioral issues, including attention, memory, and impulse control problems. Tyson began taking anti-depressant drugs, but his troubles continued.

13. Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields had a deeply personal experience with postpartum depression.After welcoming her newborn daughter into the world, she suffered from unexpected crippling depression. She’s been outspoken about her condition in order to raise awareness.

14. Herschel Walker

The former NFL running back and Heisman Trophy winner suffers from multiple personality disorder. In his book, “Breaking Free,” Walker chronicles his struggle with the disorder, and how he has worked to harness it.

15. Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. However,
Churchill described himself as having a “speech impediment,” which he worked hard to overcome. He also suffered from dyslexia.

16. Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein is thought to have suffered from autism. He had difficulty with social interactions, was very intelligent, but had difficulty learning inthe school setting.

17. Amadeus Mozart

While it is a “newer condition” it is believed that Amadeus Mozart could have been on the autistic spectrum based on certain characteristics he displayed. He reportedly had repeated facial expressions and unintentional constant motion of his hands and feet. His hearing was very sensitive, and intense and loud sounds made him feel physically sick.

18. Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and has publically admitted she habitually rubs doorknobs so hard before opening doors to clean them. She also washes her hands often and uses her elbows to push open doors.

19. David Beckham

The famous and sexy soccer player, David Beckham, admitted that he also suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), having the addiction of keeping everything clean and organized around him.

20. Walt Disney

Walt Disney was one of the most influential and innovative figures in entertainment in the 20th century. Yet, he struggled with dyslexia, which made it quite difficult for him to read. While in high school, he also attended the Academy of Fine Arts, which doubled his schoolwork, in spite of having dyslexia.