Anxiety doesn’t care how famous you are. It affects CEOs, students, parents—and yes, even A-list celebrities. While they might look polished on red carpets or confident on stage, many stars silently battle anxiety behind the scenes.
Thankfully, more and more public figures are speaking out. From pop icons to Oscar winners, today’s celebrities are openly sharing their mental health journeys—and helping to break the stigma in the process. Their honesty is not only refreshing—it’s powerful.
In 2025, celebrity mental health isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a real conversation. Celebs are opening up about panic attacks, performance anxiety, burnout, and the everyday struggles that come with being constantly in the spotlight. And just like the rest of us, they’re learning how to cope—through therapy, mindfulness, medication, and lifestyle changes.
This article dives into how celebrities deal with anxiety, the tools they rely on, and what we can take from their stories to better support our own mental wellness.
Celebrities Who’ve Spoken Out About Anxiety
When famous people with anxiety speak up, it helps break down the idea that mental health struggles are something to hide. These stars may be household names, but their experiences with anxiety are deeply personal—and strikingly relatable.
Selena Gomez: From Struggles to Advocacy
Selena Gomez has become one of the most powerful voices in celebrity mental health awareness. She’s opened up about living with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Through therapy, medication, and breaks from the spotlight, she’s found ways to manage her mental health. Her platform, Wondermind, is dedicated to making mental fitness accessible and stigma-free.
Ryan Reynolds: Humor and Honesty
Known for his quick wit, Ryan Reynolds has also been refreshingly open about his anxiety. He’s spoken about experiencing intense self-doubt and racing thoughts, even during big red-carpet events. He’s found relief through therapy and shares his story to normalize anxiety, especially for men.
Lady Gaga: Healing Through Therapy
Lady Gaga has been candid about her battle with PTSD and chronic anxiety following past trauma. She credits trauma therapy, boundaries, and a consistent mental wellness routine—including meditation and medication—for helping her stay grounded. Her openness shows how mental health is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix.
Kendall Jenner: Panic Attacks and Holistic Tools
Supermodel Kendall Jenner has discussed her struggles with anxiety and debilitating panic attacks. Instead of hiding it, she’s leaned into a holistic approach—including talk therapy, journaling, breathwork, and limiting social media—to manage symptoms.
Adele: Movement and Mental Clarity
Adele has shared that her anxiety once made her feel completely out of control. She found that exercise and setting boundaries helped her feel more connected to herself. Her focus on movement as medicine resonates with many looking for simple ways to cope.
By sharing their stories, these stars remind us that anxiety is human—and healing is possible.
Top Ways Celebrities Manage Anxiety
Managing anxiety isn’t about eliminating stress—it’s about building tools to navigate it. From A-list actors to global musicians, many celebrities use a blend of therapy, movement, mindfulness, and even medication to stay grounded. The good news? Most of these strategies aren’t just for the rich and famous—they’re science-backed tools anyone can try.
1. Therapy & Counseling
For many celebrities, therapy is a non-negotiable part of their mental health toolkit. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety, helping individuals reframe anxious thoughts and behaviors.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is another method gaining popularity, especially among those working through trauma. Celebrities like Lady Gaga have spoken about its benefits in processing painful memories and managing PTSD-related anxiety.
Talk therapy, including psychodynamic and person-centered approaches, is also widely used. Stars like Selena Gomez credit consistent therapy for their ability to cope with public pressure and personal struggles.
2. Meditation & Mindfulness
Meditation isn’t just trendy—it’s powerful. A growing number of celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Emma Watson, practice mindfulness meditation to manage stress and stay mentally balanced.
Research from Harvard Medical School shows that regular meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety by lowering cortisol levels and improving emotion regulation. Whether it’s guided meditation, body scanning, or simple breath awareness, mindfulness creates space between thoughts and reactions.
Apps like Headspace and Calm (both endorsed by celebs) make it easy to get started at home.
3. Breathwork & Yoga
Gisele Bündchen and Miley Cyrus both turn to yoga and deep breathing techniques to find calm. Breathwork—like box breathing or alternate nostril breathing—activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps dial down the “fight-or-flight” response.
Yoga, particularly restorative or yin styles, combines physical movement with mindfulness, making it a go-to for many stars battling anxiety. Multiple studies support yoga’s role in reducing generalized anxiety and improving sleep quality.
>>Related: Breathwork for Mental Health
4. Exercise & Movement
Exercise is one of the most well-studied natural tools for managing anxiety. Adele, Zac Efron, and Chris Hemsworth have all spoken about using workouts not just for physical goals, but for mental clarity.
Regular movement—whether strength training, running, or dance—helps release endorphins and reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Even 20–30 minutes of moderate exercise a few times a week can make a noticeable difference in mood.
5. Setting Boundaries & Digital Detoxes
Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Selena Gomez have taken extended breaks from social media to protect their mental health. The constant stream of news, opinions, and filtered lives can worsen anxiety and self-comparison.
Setting boundaries—like turning off notifications, avoiding screen time before bed, or deleting certain apps—can create space to reset. Studies show that reduced screen time can lower anxiety and improve sleep, especially in young adults.
6. Medication (When Prescribed)
Some celebrities choose medication as part of their celebrity anxiety coping strategies—and they’re increasingly open about it. Selena Gomez and Ryan Reynolds have spoken publicly about using medication under the care of professionals.
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, depending on severity. The key takeaway? There’s no shame in medical support when it’s necessary—and it’s often part of a well-rounded treatment plan.
7. Journaling & Gratitude Practices
Writing things down can be powerful. Celebs like Emma Stone and Ariana Grande use journaling to track moods, process emotions, and express gratitude. Gratitude journaling, in particular, is linked to improved mental health and lower levels of anxiety.
A simple habit—like writing down three good things each day—can shift focus away from fear and toward the present.
8. Natural Remedies: CBD, Magnesium, Adaptogens
Many stars are embracing holistic anxiety relief with natural tools. CBD oil is used by celebs like Mandy Moore and Dakota Johnson to ease tension and promote relaxation. While studies are still emerging, early data suggests CBD may help with mild anxiety.
Magnesium—especially in glycinate or citrate form—is known for its calming effect on the nervous system. Many people with anxiety are unknowingly low in magnesium, and supplementing can improve sleep and reduce nervous tension.
Adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola (used by Gwyneth Paltrow and other wellness-focused celebs) support the adrenal system and help the body cope with stress more effectively.
Together, these strategies form a toolbox for emotional resilience. While not every method will work for everyone, the takeaway is clear: managing anxiety takes effort, but help exists—and healing is absolutely possible.
What Mental Health Experts Say
Mental health professionals widely support many of the strategies celebrities use to manage anxiety—especially mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and lifestyle changes. Research consistently shows that CBT is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders, helping individuals identify and change thought patterns that fuel their fears.
Experts emphasize the importance of tailored care. Anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for one person might not work for another. A mental health provider can help design a personalized plan combining therapy, medication (if needed), and lifestyle adjustments like exercise and sleep hygiene.
Long-term consistency matters more than quick fixes. Therapists caution against glamorized “miracle cures” or detox-like trends that promise fast relief but often fall short. Sustainable mental wellness requires patience, self-compassion, and realistic expectations.
Mindfulness practices and breathwork, while simple, have robust evidence supporting their role in reducing anxiety symptoms. They’re especially powerful when paired with therapy. Experts encourage incorporating these tools daily to build resilience over time.
Finally, professionals urge anyone struggling with anxiety to seek support early. Left untreated, anxiety can worsen and interfere with daily life. Therapy is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step toward healing.
In short, the best mental health advice combines evidence-based treatments with personalized care—and reminds us that managing anxiety is a journey, not a destination.
Try These Celebrity-Inspired Anxiety Tools (Safely)
Wondering how to manage anxiety like celebrities? The good news is many of their go-to strategies are accessible and practical—no VIP pass required. Here are some tools you can try at home to build calm and confidence every day.
Guided Meditation Apps
Apps like Calm and Headspace have exploded in popularity, and for good reason. They offer guided meditations, breathing exercises, and sleep stories that help quiet racing thoughts. Even just 5–10 minutes daily can make a difference. Many celebrities swear by these apps to center themselves before big events or busy days.
Daily Walks or Workouts
Physical movement is a proven anxiety buster. You don’t need a personal trainer or fancy gym—just a daily walk outside or a simple home workout can help release tension and boost mood. Celebrities like Adele and Zac Efron emphasize exercise for mental clarity as much as physical fitness.
Breathwork Videos or Classes
Deep breathing techniques calm your nervous system quickly and effectively. Try beginner-friendly breathwork videos on YouTube or join a local yoga or breathwork class. Practices like box breathing or 4-7-8 breathing can be done anytime, anywhere—perfect for sudden waves of anxiety.
Journaling Prompts Inspired by Celebs
Many stars use journaling to process feelings and practice gratitude. Try starting or ending your day by writing three things you’re grateful for, or jotting down your thoughts without judgment. This simple habit can shift your focus from stress to appreciation.
Seek Support When Needed
No matter how many self-help tools you try, remember that seeking professional support is a strength. Therapy, support groups, and crisis hotlines offer guidance and connection when anxiety feels overwhelming. Many celebrities openly encourage others to reach out—because no one has to do it alone.
Incorporate these practical mental health tools gradually and listen to what feels right for you. With time and patience, you can build your own anxiety toolkit—just like the stars.
FAQs: Celebrity Anxiety and Coping Tools
Is it true celebrities have anxiety?
Absolutely. Celebrities are human, and many openly share their struggles with anxiety. Fame can even add pressure, making anxiety more common than you might think.
Do celebrities really use therapy?
Yes. Therapy is a key tool for many stars like Selena Gomez and Ryan Reynolds. It helps them process emotions, manage stress, and build resilience—just like it can for anyone.
Can breathing techniques help with panic attacks?
Definitely. Breathing exercises calm the nervous system and reduce the physical symptoms of panic attacks. Techniques like box breathing or 4-7-8 breathing are simple and effective.
Are there natural ways to calm anxiety?
Yes! Meditation, exercise, journaling, and natural supplements like magnesium or adaptogens can support anxiety relief. Many celebrities combine these with professional care for best results.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Own Path to Anxiety Relief
Anxiety is a universal experience—even celebrities face it, despite their glamorous lives. What stands out is their courage to speak up and the variety of ways they manage it. From therapy and meditation to breathwork and exercise, these anxiety relief tools show there’s no single “right” path.
The key takeaway? Take inspiration from how celebrities manage anxiety, but always prioritize what works best for you. Everyone’s mental health journey is unique, and support is available whether through professionals, loved ones, or practical self-care strategies.
Remember, seeking help is a strength—not a weakness—and building resilience takes time. By exploring different tools and approaches, you can find balance and peace, no matter where life takes you.