Testimonies

 Known professionally as Lady Gaga, is an American singer-songwriter and actress. She is known for reinventing her image and showcasing versatility in entertainment. Gaga started performing as a teenager by singing at open mic nights and acting in school plays. 

Born: March 28, 1986 (age 38 years), Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, United States 

Lada Gaga is another famed musician and actor, but many may not know she is also a celebrity mental health advocate. In recent years, Lady Gaga has opened up about her struggles with sexual assault, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At a young age, the star was assaulted repeatedly, but did not always have the tools to process that trauma. She did not have a therapist or psychiatrist, and tried to move on with her life without getting treatment. Eventually, the symptoms resurfaced and lead to intense pains throughout her body, a symptom of PTSD. She also suffers from anxiety and depression, but takes medication to help manage her symptoms. 

In an interview with Oprah, Lady Gaga explained, “Medication has helped me tremendously. I take an antipsychotic. [If I didn’t] I would spiral very frequently and I would spasm in my sleep.” She continued, “A lot of people are afraid of medicine for their brains to help them. I really want to erase the stigma around this… so Gen Z does not have to deal with this the way we are right now. Mental health is a crisis.” 

In facing mental illness, Lady Gaga has also chosen to use her platform to create change. She created the Born This Way Foundation in 2012, which is dedicated to fostering conversations among youth about mental health, and providing resources for those struggling. In a heartfelt letter posted on the Foundation’s website, Lady Gaga wrote, “There is a lot of shame attached to mental illness, but it’s important that you know that there is hope and a chance for recovery.” 

Professionally known as Selena Gomez is an American singer, songwriter, actress, producer, and businesswoman. She began her career as a child actress, starring on the children's television series Barney & Friends. 

Born: July 22, 1992 (age 31 years), Grand Prairie, Texas, United States 

Selena Gomez first entered stardom as a Disney actor, but rose her way to fame as a recognized musician over the years. Today, she is also a mental health advocate by being candid about her own struggles with mental illness. Selena Gomez was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2020. Her symptoms include depression and anxiety, and she has been recently learning to manage those by staying off social media and taking medication, in combination with therapy five times per week. 

Gomez started therapy after experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and burnout. She specifically gave credit to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a type of behavioral therapy used to treat complex mental health conditions, for helping change her life. DBT focuses on counseling (both one-on-one and group sessions), as well as mindfulness to help change negative behaviors and thought patterns. 

During an event hosted by MTV, the Mental Health Youth Action Forum, Gomez opened up about her struggles to a live audience. She stated, “Mental health is very personal for me, and I hope that by using my platform to share my own story and working with incredible people like all of you. I can help others feel less alone and find the help they need, which is honestly all I want.” 

She continued, “When it comes to talking about and de-stigmatizing mental health, I want to ensure that everyone, no matter their age, their race, religion, sexual orientation, have access to services that support their mental health.” 

Famously known as, is an American model and television personality. She made her professional modeling debut in the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2010 and appeared on the 50th-anniversary cover alongside Nina Agdal and Lily Aldridge in 2014. Wikipedia

Born: November 30, 1985 (age 38 years), Delta, Utah, United States

Chrissy Teigen, a firecracker of a personality who built her brand on social media candor and an unfiltered approach to life, found herself facing an enemy she never expected: postpartum depression (PPD). The world knew her as the sizzling Sports Illustrated cover model, the witty co-host of "Lip Sync Battle," and the author of cookbooks that celebrated her love of food. Yet, after the arrival of her daughter Luna, Teigen's world became shrouded in a fog of exhaustion, emotional volatility, and a complete loss of appetite.

For what felt like an eternity, Teigen navigated this new reality in silence. The woman who once reveled in oversharing on Twitter, offering opinions on everything from politics to pregnancy struggles, found herself strangely mute. The specter of admitting, "I have PPD," loomed large, a shroud of shame wrapped around the four syllables. Society's portrayal of the blissful new mom, radiant and brimming with energy, felt like a cruel caricature of her experience. Teigen battled a relentless inner critic, the guilt of not measuring up gnawing at her.

Teigen's story is a poignant reminder that PPD doesn't play favorites. Despite having a seemingly perfect support system – a devoted husband in John Legend, a nanny, and her mother all living under the same roof – the condition insidiously took root. The isolation she felt, despite being surrounded by loved ones, underscores the insidious nature of PPD. The fear of judgment, the societal pressure to project strength, all conspired to keep her from seeking help. It wasn't until a visit to her doctor, tears welling up as she recounted a laundry list of symptoms, that Teigen finally received a diagnosis. The weight that lifted with that single word, "postpartum depression," was immense. It was a validation of her experience, a lifeline thrown across the churning waters of her emotional turmoil.

The path to recovery was paved with medication and the unwavering support of John and her family. John emerged as a rock, indulging her quirky sense of humor even on her darkest days. He understood the spark that flickered in her eyes when he donned a ridiculous medieval hat, a testament to his unwavering dedication to her well-being. Their love story, far from a fairytale, became one of unwavering support and a shared journey towards healing.

Teigen's decision to share her story is a courageous act, a beacon of light for countless women battling PPD in the shadows. It shatters the illusion of picture-perfect motherhood, normalizing the condition and letting others know they are not alone in their struggles. The journey continues, a rollercoaster of good days and bad, but a newfound sense of hope threads through Teigen's narrative. She's determined to get better, not just for herself but for Luna. The playful mom who chases Luna up the stairs and creates lasting memories – that's the future Teigen aspires to. Her story is a testament to the immense strength it takes to confront PPD, a reminder that even the most seemingly perfect lives can be touched by this invisible struggle. It's a call to action for those battling in silence to reach out for help. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and Chrissy Teigen's courage paves the way for others to find it. Her story is a reminder that vulnerability can be a source of strength, and that sharing our struggles can help us heal, both individually and collectively.