May Your Mental Health Be Gentle: 5 Celebrities That Are Making Change

There’s no doubt that the subject of mental health has become a popular topic of discussion in recent years. As mental health is becoming recognized globally and placed in the spotlight, more people are speaking out, stepping up, and taking action. By advocating for change, creating access to resources, and care, these celebrities are raising awareness for mental well-being.

1. Lady Gaga

Pop icon, Grammy-winning American singer, songwriter, performer, and actress known for her fascinating fashion sense, one-of-a-kind costumes, distinctive vocals, and movie roles, has contributed greatly to mental health advocacy. Gaga founded the Born This Way Foundation in 2012 with the help of her mother, Cynthia Bisset Germanotta. Together, the two make it their mission to empower and motivate young people to build a “kinder and braver world that supports their mental health and wellbeing.” Gaga and her team have and continue to successfully build programs and complete research that are directly linked to the younger generation and experiences of mental health. Gaga and her team also continue to engage in campaigns that increase access to resources and services that support mental health.

2. Taraji P. Henson

Golden Globe-winning, Academy Award-nominated, and Emmy-nominated American Actress Taraji O. Henson, known for her fierce roles as powerful female characters, her memorable, buzzworthy singing, and her impactful activist work, has also contributed greatly to mental health advocacy. Henson founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in 2018 in honor of her late father, who faced many untreated mental health challenges following his return from the Vietnam War. The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation aims to promote mental wellness in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities and reduce alarming suicide rates amongst minorities. According to the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation website, the foundation is making it its mission to fight “for a better future by advocating for mental health support in schools, reducing the alarming suicide rate among minorities, addressing mental health issues among the incarcerated population to reduce recidivism rates.” Henson’s foundation supports these communities by building resources, programs, and education that are culturally competent and inclusive to BIPOCs. Henson and her team have also successfully provided scholarships for those who have pursued degrees in mental health fields. 

3. Robert Downey Jr.

Oscar Award-winning actor Robert Downey Jr., known for his extraordinary roles as Tony Stark/Iron Man in Marvel movies and his philanthropic work, has also significantly played a role in the mental health field. While RDJ does not have his own mental health foundation, he has still found ways to support the cause and show support. Downey Jr. has co-founded Happy, a coffee company in partnership with the National Alliance for Mental Health, and donated an undisclosed equity stake that will be used towards individuals and families affected by various mental health conditions.

4. Selena Gomez

American Actress, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and producer Selena Gomez, who rose to fame with her remarkable appearance on Disney’s "Wizards of Waverly Place", has generously used her platform to advocate for mental health. Gomez wears a number of hats when it comes to her advocacy work for mental health. In 2022, Gomez co-founded Wondemind, a mental health platform dedicated to creating an inclusive space where people can explore, discuss, learn, express, and navigate their feelings. In 2020, Gomez created the Rare Impact Fund, which has successfully raised awareness for mental health by de-stigmatizing mental health, providing resources, and donating over $20 million to similar funds that align with Gomez and her team’s visions. Rare Impact Fund has also given grants to organizations that have reached approximately 2.2 million people, 175,000 educational systems, 28,000 educators, 600,000 country members, and 134 mental health resources have been developed. But that’s not all. Gomez has also created her own beauty line, Rare Beauty, which aims to “reduce the stigma associated with mental health and give people access to the resources they need to support their mental well-being.” Rare Beauty also donates 1% of all sales to her Rare Impact Fund. 

5. Prince Harry

Duke of Sussex, British Royal, humanitarian, and military veteran Prince Harry is no stranger to mental health advocacy. His Highness has co-founded the Archewell Foundation along with his wife Meghan Markle. The Archewell Foundation strongly believes that mental health and our well-being are paramount. The foundation has launched programs that help families “in a purpose-driven movement for change to safeguard against online harms.” And programs that are addressing the social isolation recently resettled women experience around the world and building more inclusive and connected communities.” Prince Harry has also partnered with BetterUp and serves as Chief Impact Officer. BetterUp was launched in 2013 and is the largest mental health and coaching startup in the world. BetterUp aims to build and strengthen the mindset, skills, and behaviors of all people in order to help people realize their full potential in all aspects of life.