IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The list of black celebrities is endless. These courageous people have paved the way for so many others to become singers, doctors, lawyers, athletes, politicians, teachers, scientists, and more.
What you might not have considered is that some of these celebrities also have a mental illness. Below is a list of those people who have not just overcome the adversities they face because the color of the skin, but also have had to face their mental illness and the stigma that is often associated with mental illness.
Thanks to these brave black people who fight the fight every day giving those suffering from mental illness hope. Thanks to the many brave individuals who have shared their stories to help eradicate the stigma.
BLACKS WHO HAVE MENTAL ILLNESSES:
- Dwayne Johnson: Depression
- Don Cornelius: Depression/ Suicide
- Lee Thompson Young: Bipolar Disorder/ Depression
- Alicia Keys: Depression
- Herschel Walker: Dissociative Identity Disorder
- Nina Simone: Bipolar Disorder
- Ricky Williams: Social Anxiety Disorder
- Oprah Winfrey: Anxiety/ Depression/Eating Disorder
- Cheryl “Salt” James: Eating Disorder/ Depression
- Charley Pride: Bipolar Disorder/ Alcoholism
- Dimitrius Underwood: Bipolar Disorder/ Suicide Attempt
- Darryl Strawberry: Depression/ Bipolar Disorder
- Jimmy Hendrix: Bipolar Disorder
- Halle Berry: Suicidal/ Depression
- Delonte West: Bipolar Disorder
- Michael Jackson: Body dysmorphic disorder, OCD
- Kanye West: Suicidal
- Brandon Marshall: Borderline Personality Disorder
- Fantasia Barrino: Suicide Attempt
- Jesse Jackson: Bipolar II/ Depression
- Jennifer Lewis: Bipolar Disorder
- Kerry Washington: Eating Disorder
- Whoopi Goldberg: PTSD
- Will Smith: ADHD
- Frank Bruno: Bipolar Disorder
- Mike Tyson: Depression/ Suicidal Thoughts/Drug Addiction
- Michelle Williams: Depression
- Serena Williams: Depression
- DMX: Bipolar Disorder
- Audra McDonald: Depression/ Attempted Suicide
- Chris Brown: Bipolar Disorder and PTSD
- Lark Voorhies: Bipolar Disorder
- Ray Lucas: Depression & Addiction
- Royce White: Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Lionel Aldridge: Schizophrenia
- T-Pain: Depression
- Dina Eastwood: Depression & Anxiety
- Janet Jackson: Depression
- Cleo Higgins: Panic Attacks
- Alvin Ailey: Bipolar Disorder
- Eddie George: Depression
- Josh Marks: Schizophrenia/ Suicide
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Depression/ Suicide Attempts
- Charles Haley Bipolar Disorder
Disclaimer: I confirmed that each person has a mental illness by using several sources. If you click the link on the celebrity’s name it will direct you to an article that discusses their mental illness. In most cases the celebrity has talked openly about their illness. However, I do realize that the internet and media are not always accurate. Therefore, if you don’t feel like someone should be on the list, please contact me at Bipolar Bandit . Also, I take no ownership in any of the photos used in the infographic. The majority of pictures were found via Pinterest and source is unknown.
REFERENCES: Ref 1 Ref2 Ref3 Ref4 Ref5 Ref6 Ref7 Ref8
