OVER THE COURSE of the past weekend, two high-profile female personalities spoke up about their experience of depression, anxiety and panic attacks in two separate, but equally candid interviews.

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While speaking to Women’s Health, Fearne Cotton, a successful writer and broadcaster, explained that she had found the past summer particularly difficult to navigate.

This summer was weird… everything was worrying or annoying. I had a feeling of being a bit overwhelmed and knowing I wasn’t enjoying the things that I should. 

Thankfully, Fearne overcame this period, and said ‘her spark’ simply reappeared of its own accord.

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However, discussing her mental health in recent years has been paramount to keeping on top of it, she says.

I didn’t know how I would feel about being so open because, for the first 18 or 19 years of my career, I hadn’t said anything, but then you realise talking about your mental health is the most connecting thing ever. 

Elaborating on the emphasis she now puts on communicating with those around her, Fearne added:

It stops people feeling alienated – who wants to feel s**t and lonely? You’d rather feel s**t and know that lots of other people find the same things difficult. Until six months ago, I went through a two-year period of regularly getting panic attacks while driving to work.

Similarly, Claire Foy discussed her experience of anxiety in an interview with The Guardian.

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Seeking to explain how it manifests itself, she said: “When you have anxiety, you have anxiety about – I don’t know – crossing the road.”

The thing about it is, it’s not related to anything that would seem logical. It’s purely about that feeling in the pit of your stomach, and the feeling that you can’t, because you’re ‘this’ or you’re ‘that’. It’s my mind working at a thousand beats a second, and running away with a thought.

Claire opted to see a therapist in order to manage the condition -  a decision for which she is extremely grateful.

It got to a point where everyone I knew said go. I’m glad I did.

Over the last number of years, a host of well-known individuals have opted to open up about their struggles with mental health issues: an endeavour that goes a long way towards removing the stigma that still surrounds mental illness.

Indeed, many have identified ways and means with which to manage certain conditions, and here we take a look at just a few.

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Emma Stone, who has battled anxiety since she was a child, has opted out of social media, having identified that its implications would have a negative impact on her outlook and mental health.

Speaking to Elle, she said: 

I think it wouldn’t be a positive thing for me. If people can handle that sort of output and input in the social media sphere, power to them.

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Kristen Bell, who has been candid about her diagnosis of depression, has taken medication since she was a youngster.

Speaking on Off Camera, she said:

I still take it today and I have no shame in that, because my mom had said to me, ‘If you start to feel this way, talk to your doctor, talk to a psychologist, see how you want to help yourself’.

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Like Kristen, Amanda Seyfried takes medication to treat depression, and has no intention of weaning herself off it.

Speaking to Allure, she said: “I’m on Lexapro, and I’ll never get off of it.”

 I’ve been on it since I was 19, so 11 years. I’m on the lowest dose. I don’t see the point of getting off of it. Whether it’s placebo or not, I don’t want to risk it. And what are you fighting against? Just the stigma of using a tool? A mental illness is a thing that people cast in a different category from other illnesses, but I don’t think it is.

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Lena Dunham has taken medication and attended therapy to manage her anxiety disorder, but also espouses the benefits of physical activity.

Writing on her Instagram account, she said:

I know it’s mad annoying when people tell you to exercise, and it took me about 16 medicated years to listen. I’m glad I did. It ain’t about the ass, it’s about the brain.

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Sarah Silverman, who has been vocal about her struggle with depression, says she has found solace in reminding herself that the good times will come again.

Speaking to Glamour, she said: 

If you ever experience it, or are experiencing it right now, just know that on the other side, the little joys in life will be that much sweeter. The tough times, the days when you’re just a ball on the floor – they’ll pass. You’re playing the long game and life is totally worth it.

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