From Olivia Rodrigo to Park Seo-Jun: celebrities who are mental health advocates

Selena Gomez has arguably done more than any of her peers to put mental health into mainstream conversation. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2020, the singer and actress has been frank about her experiences with anxiety, depression and the pressures of fame. Through her health startup, Wondermind, and various speaking engagements—including an address at the White House—Gomez advocates for accessible mental health education and resources. Wondermind’s Instagram platform, @officialwondermind, curates tools, expert insights and community stories that aim to destigmatise mental health. Her openness has made her a frequent reference point in the broader cultural conversation.

In 2022, Crazy Rich Asians star Constance Wu revealed that she had attempted suicide following a social media backlash years earlier. Her account, shared in her memoir Making a Scene, marked a rare instance of a celebrity speaking publicly about the mental health toll of online harassment. Wu discussed her long recovery process and the role therapy and support systems played in helping her regain stability. Her decision to speak out was not only personal but deliberate, intended to encourage others in the Asian American community to break the silence around mental health, a topic often stigmatised in immigrant households.

As the leader of one of the most influential music groups in the world, RM’s statements carry weight far beyond K-pop. BTS have consistently used their platform to speak about mental health, particularly through their long-standing partnership with Unicef’s “Love Myself” campaign. RM himself has spoken about the pressure of expectations, burnout and the importance of self-reflection. His calm, considered approach resonates with fans globally and encourages a more nuanced understanding of emotional wellbeing.

Academy Award-winner Emma Stone has addressed her experience with anxiety since childhood, describing how acting became both an outlet and a form of therapy. She has lent her voice to organisations such as the Child Mind Institute (where she is a board member) and has spoken candidly in interviews about the importance of seeking help. Rather than positioning herself as a figurehead, Stone contributes to the mental health conversation by normalising it.

Halsey has been one of the most outspoken celebrities when it comes to mental health, openly discussing her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and experiences with depression and hospitalisation. She has used her platform to advocate for better treatment access and to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness, particularly among young women. Her candid reflections—often shared in interviews and on social media—strike a balance between vulnerability and strength, making mental health advocacy a central part of her public persona.

Pedro Pascal has become a rare exemplar of emotionally engaged masculinity in Hollywood. He’s been vocal about living with anxiety since childhood, offering breathing‑technique tips during press events . The emotional toll of his roles—especially in The Last of Us—has affected him profoundly; he admitted in April 2025 that embodying the pain of his character Joel was “not very healthy”. He has also shared personal trauma: losing his mother to suicide at age 24, bullying and near‑quit experiences in his earlier career. Pascal actively supports LGBTQ+ mental health; he recently signed a Trevor Project letter urging federal suicide prevention funding.

Park Seo-joon has become a quietly influential voice in the conversation around men’s mental health. The Itaewon Class and Gyeongseong Creature star has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of his career, revealing that he has experienced burnout severe enough to make him consider stepping away from acting. As a Lululemon ambassador, he advocates for holistic wellbeing—mental, physical and emotional—and encourages men to express their feelings in a culture that often discourages it.

These stars reflect a broader cultural pivot where vulnerability isn’t a liability but a form of influence. By talking about their own challenges without glamourising them, they help demystify the experience of mental health struggles. 

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