The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

By Mohamed Miah

They lived on the edge. Artists, scientists, writers, thinkers—some of the most brilliant minds in history, they burned so intensely that it consumed them. For many of these geniuses, creativity wasn’t just a product of intellect; it was a force born out of madness, rage, and an overwhelming drive to create. Behind the works of Vincent van Gogh, Sylvia Plath, Nikola Tesla, and John Nash, among countless others, there is an undeniable pattern: genius and madness are inseparable. And where there is madness, there is also anger, passion, and maybe even a need to lash out—a need to release the chaos swirling within before it destroys them entirely.

It’s this raw, primal force that shaped their lives. They didn’t just think or create—they fought their way to brilliance. Their greatest works often emerged from moments of heightened disorder, and when they rested—when the storm in their minds finally calmed—the brilliance faded too.

But what causes these spurts of intense creativity, and why do so many of these figures burn out before their time? The answers lie deep within the neuroscience of madness, the societal expectations that silenced their vulnerability, and the sheer rage that drove them to work until the very act of creation broke them.

The Science

The brain’s connection between creativity and mental health is closely linked to how certain regions “light up” during periods of intense mental activity, particularly in individuals with conditions like bipolar disorder. During manic phases, for instance, the brain experiences hyperconnectivity, where regions that don’t typically interact, such as the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and planning) and the temporal lobe (involved in memory and sensory processing), become highly active. This leads to rapid, often divergent thinking, enabling creative leaps that wouldn’t typically occur. 

The dopamine system, which regulates reward and pleasure, also plays a crucial role by boosting motivation and focus during these heightened states. However, this same neurochemical activity can lead to emotional extremes, contributing to the instability often associated with depression or mania. In these moments, the brain’s creative output is at its peak, but it comes at a cost, as the heightened activity can spiral into burnout or breakdown when balance isn’t restored. This cycle of high-intensity mental activity followed by exhaustion often defines the experience of many creative geniuses throughout history.

Anger and Passion of Genius

Throughout history, genius has often been accompanied by anger—not just directed at the world, but at the very nature of their existence. The need to lash out, to force the ideas and emotions out of their minds, was a form of survival. Sylvia Plath didn’t just write poetry; she bled onto the page, her words a direct expression of the anger she felt at the injustices of life, her mental illness, and the limitations imposed on her by society. For Plath, each poem was a fight against her own mind, and her work didn’t just explore her pain—it was her pain.

The same can be said for Vincent van Gogh, who struggled to contain the intensity of his emotions, only finding release in his vivid, frenetic paintings. His work was a form of lashing out, of expelling the inner chaos and madness through art. Van Gogh’s mind was on fire, and his brushstrokes were a direct reflection of that inner storm. He could not contain the passion—he had to get it out, even if it killed him. And it nearly did.

We see this pattern over and over again. Nikola Tesla, the brilliant inventor, worked himself into exhaustion during his manic episodes. His mind raced so fast that his body couldn’t keep up, and yet he pushed on, driven by a relentless need to create at the limitations of the world. Tesla’s anger wasn’t violent in the traditional sense, but it was no less destructive—he lashed out through creation, building, inventing, and pushing the boundaries of science in a way that most of his contemporaries could not comprehend. His passion and intensity were almost too much for him to bear.

Lightbulb Moments of Inner Storms

When we talk about the genius of these figures, we often reference their “lightbulb moments”—those sudden flashes of insight where everything clicks into place. But these moments didn’t come in times of peace or calm. For many of history’s greatest minds, the best work came when their minds were in chaos. It’s during these moments of heightened mental activity—what some might call manic episodes—that the brain makes connections it wouldn’t otherwise make.

For John Nash, whose battle with schizophrenia is well-documented, his most profound mathematical insights came during periods of heightened disorder. Nash’s mind worked differently, making leaps and connections that no one else could see. But it was also this same mind that tore him apart. Nash’s greatest work was born from the very thing that nearly destroyed him—his illness fueled his brilliance, and he went against the limitations of conventional thought, with ideas that would change the world.

Similarly, Van Gogh’s most famous works—the swirling skies of Starry Night, the vibrant colors of his self-portraits—were painted during some of the most emotionally chaotic times of his life. The lightbulb moments for Van Gogh didn’t come when he was rested or calm. They came when he was at his most vulnerable, his most raw. He couldn’t simply paint; he had to release the intensity within him, and that release was often violent in its urgency.

The Burden of Masculinities Silence 

For many especially the men, the burden of masculinity only made their struggles worse. In a world that demanded strength and control from men, these individuals were expected to hide their emotional turmoil. To show vulnerability was to show weakness. And so they kept their inner battles hidden, only revealing themselves through their work.

Ernest Hemingway, the epitome of masculine bravado, was a man consumed by depression and alcoholism. His vulnerability evident in his writing, his anger showing in every sentence, but he never allowed himself to confront the vulnerability that lay beneath. Hemingway’s work was powerful, but his refusal to admit to his own pain eventually led to his suicide. His rage turned inward, and when he could no longer release it onto the page, it finished him.

Isaac Newton, another man of immense intellect, but he too was a broken soul accompanied by paranoia, depression, and periods of intense anger. Newton’s emotional turmoil was often hidden beneath his reputation as a rational scientist, but those closest to him knew how fragile his mind could be. Newton worked furiously through his obsessive work, pushing himself to the brink, but his inability to express his inner vulnerabilities only deepened his isolation.

For many men, the act of anger—whether through their work or their personal lives—was the only outlet they had. They could not admit to being broken, so they channeled that brokenness into their creations. But in the end, the silence surrounding their struggles was often their downfall.

The Cost of Brilliance

We tend to romanticise the idea of the tortured genius, but the reality is far more tragic. These individuals weren’t simply brilliant—they were in pain. Their madness and genius were two sides of the same coin, and to separate them would have been impossible. The very thing that gave them their brilliance also consumed them. And for many of these figures, the price of genius was their own mental and emotional well-being.

Sylvia Plath’s depression drove her to create some of the most celebrated poetry of the 20th century, but it also led to her suicide. Vincent van Gogh’s madness fueled his art, but it also isolated him from the world, leaving him to die alone. Nikola Tesla’s manic episodes produced inventions that changed the course of history, but they also left him penniless and mentally broken, dying alone in a hotel room.

The anger, the passion, the illness, these were not just symptoms of their genius. They were the fuel for it. Without it there would be no lightbulb moments, no breakthroughs, no masterpieces.

The Need to Release the Mind

In understanding the lives of these men and women, we learn a fundamental truth: it is not just about intellect or creativity. For many of these individuals, it was not a gift—it was a burden. Their minds raced with ideas, their emotions burned with intensity, and their only way to survive was to create, to get rid of the chaos through their work. The madness behind it was a double-edged sword—one that both created and destroyed, in equal measure.

Reckless and Risky

Recklessness in these individuals is another attribute which often manifests in ways that violate societal and moral expectations. Figures like Tiger Woods, with his high-profile affairs, Ernest Hemingway’s chaotic love life, and Oscar Wilde’s scandalous relationships, engaged in behavior that clashed with their public personas. Driven by a need for excitement and stimulation, these actions went against their moral compass, yet seemed almost inevitable given the intensity of their lives.

Their personal lives reflected a deeper craving for chaos. Woods’ extramarital affairs, Hemingway’s turbulent marriages, and Wilde’s pursuit of forbidden love showed their need to push boundaries not just in their work, but in life. These figures were constantly chasing a thrill, seeking a storm to stir their otherwise brilliant, yet restless, minds.

After their reckless actions came guilt and consequence. Hemingway’s introspective writing revealed the emotional cost of his tumultuous relationships, while Wilde faced public disgrace and imprisonment. Woods, too, saw his life and career fall apart under the weight of his actions. Their lives show how their need for chaos, a core part of themselves, ultimately led to personal and moral turmoil.

Faith and Balance

In religious terms, particularly within Islamic belief, episodes of sudden, intense thoughts, vivid experiences, or chaotic mental states are sometimes attributed to the influence of jinn—beings made from smokeless fire, capable of interacting with humans in unseen ways. In this worldview, certain thoughts or experiences that seem to come out of nowhere—such as intrusive ideas, extreme emotional turbulence, or flashes of creativity—are believed to be linked to the influence or whispering of jinn. 

These otherworldly entities, as described in the Qur’an and Hadith, are thought to have the ability to influence human thoughts, either for good or ill, especially when a person is spiritually vulnerable or mentally imbalanced. For some, these episodes can feel like being connected to another realm, where the mind is filled with ideas or visions beyond normal control. When this connection becomes overwhelming, it can lead to disordered thinking, paranoia, or vivid hallucinations, which are often seen as signs of spiritual disturbance. In such cases, religious practices like reciting specific prayers (adhkar), seeking spiritual protection through the Qur’an, and performing ruqyah (Islamic healing recitations) are believed to help restore mental balance by warding off the negative influence of jinn, offering the person relief from these overwhelming experiences.

In many religious traditions, particularly in Islam, it is believed that moments of profound insight or genius is divine guidance from God. These are not mere messages but rather a form of inspiration that can lead to major advances in human civilisation—ideas that push society forward, uncover truths, or bring about significant innovations. However, such divine inspiration can only manifest if the individual is spiritually and mentally strong enough to receive it, process it, and bring it into tangible existence. 

This type of divine guidance is believed to be a gift granted by the Creator, though it requires the individual to have a level of inner resilience and clarity to channel it properly. These moments of inspiration may appear as flashes of brilliance or innovative thoughts that can shape science, philosophy, or art, but they are ultimately seen as reflections of a higher truth—a sign of the Creator’s influence on the course of human progress. 

For those who can channel this inspiration, the advancement will lead back to God’s will, guiding humanity toward unity, knowledge, and deeper understanding of the universe, all while reinforcing the idea that all wisdom ultimately comes from the One Creator.

One day, as we journey through life until we face death, we will come to understand whether it was bipolar, schizophrenia, or the influence of jinn. Ultimately, it has always been part of God’s will.

Just as offering a smile or removing something harmful from someone’s path is an act of charity, it should be every person’s duty to care for those around them.

This could be a family member, a child or parent, a friend, colleague, or neighbour. Often, the most significant contributions are discovered long after someone has passed. Yet, every individual is a genius in their own right in their own specialist field.

We just need to remember to look out for one another, you never know what the person next to you is going through, especially if they are angry or in emotional turmoil.

Index of people 

Many renowned geniuses throughout history have struggled with mental health issues or psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. Here are some notable examples across various fields:

Scientists and Mathematicians

Isaac Newton – Mathematician and physicist, often described as experiencing episodes of depression and possible bipolar disorder. His isolation and obsessive tendencies are well-documented.

Charles Darwin – Naturalist known for his theory of evolution, who struggled with anxiety, panic attacks, and hypochondria, which likely contributed to periods of severe depression.

John Nash – Mathematician and Nobel laureate in economics, famous for his work in game theory. Nash suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, which was dramatized in the film A Beautiful Mind.

Nikola Tesla – Inventor and electrical engineer, Tesla was known for his eccentric behavior and struggled with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and possible symptoms of depression.

Alan Turing – Mathematician and father of modern computing, who broke the Enigma code during WWII. Turing struggled with depression, particularly after facing prosecution for his homosexuality, which ultimately led to his death by suicide.

Ada Lovelace – Mathematician and early computer programmer, often considered the first programmer. Lovelace struggled with mental health issues, including nervous breakdowns, throughout her life, exacerbated by physical illness and addiction to painkillers.

Marie Curie – The Nobel Prize-winning physicist and chemist who struggled with depression following the death of her husband.

Georg Cantor – Mathematician and creator of set theory, who experienced severe depression and multiple mental breakdowns throughout his life.

Paul Erdős – Prolific mathematician who suffered from depression, especially when not working on mathematical problems. He was known to use amphetamines to keep working.

Henri Poincaré – French mathematician and physicist who experienced bouts of depression and mental fatigue during his career.

Ramanujan – Indian mathematical genius, suffered from depression, especially during his time in England. His health deteriorated rapidly, partly due to mental and physical struggles.

Albert Einstein – Had traits associated with autism spectrum disorder or Asperger’s syndrome. He was known to have difficulties with social interactions and preferred isolation at times, which are traits sometimes linked to the autism spectrum. Additionally, Einstein experienced significant personal turmoil during periods of his life, including during the separation from his first wife, Mileva Marić, and the challenges that came with living through the rise of Nazism and war.

Philosophers and Critical Thinkers

Imam Al-Ghazali (1058–1111) – One of the most famous Islamic scholars and philosophers, Al-Ghazali is known for his profound contributions to Islamic thought, particularly in theology, philosophy, and mysticism (Sufism). Midway through his life, Al-Ghazali experienced a crisis of faith, which led to a significant period of depression and spiritual turmoil. He described a profound inner struggle, feeling torn between the rationality of philosophy and the spirituality of Islam. His emotional and mental crisis led him to abandon his prestigious teaching post in Baghdad and retreat into isolation for several years. During this time, he focused on introspection, prayer, and personal spiritual purification. His recovery from this period of intense inner conflict culminated in his magnum opus, Ihya Ulum al-Din (The Revival of Religious Sciences), which became one of the most influential works in Islamic thought. His journey shows how a period of deep internal struggle can lead to profound insights and spiritual renewal.

Ibn Sina (Avicenna) (980–1037) – Ibn Sina, or Avicenna, the renowned Persian polymath, philosopher, and physician, made groundbreaking contributions to medicine, science, and philosophy. While less is known about his personal mental health struggles, it is said that he often dealt with periods of intense stress and psychological fatigue due to his work and the constant political and scholarly pressures of his time. His immense intellectual output was, at times, taxing, and he sought solace through self-reflection and meditation. Interestingly, Ibn Sina was one of the first to write about mental health in medical terms, detailing conditions such as melancholia (what we would call depression today), showing a deep understanding of the mind-body connection long before modern psychology existed.

Friedrich Nietzsche – German philosopher known for his existential and often pessimistic writings. Nietzsche suffered from severe depression and mental breakdowns later in life.

Søren Kierkegaard – Danish philosopher, widely considered the father of existentialism, who dealt with melancholy and depression throughout his life, which influenced his works.

Ludwig Wittgenstein – One of the most important philosophers of the 20th century, known for his work in logic and philosophy of language. Wittgenstein struggled with bouts of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Arthur Schopenhauer – German philosopher known for his pessimistic worldview, Schopenhauer experienced severe depression and alienation, often reflecting his belief that life is filled with suffering.

Jean-Paul Sartre – Existentialist philosopher and writer who suffered from anxiety, existential dread, and possible depression. His works often revolve around themes of alienation, freedom, and despair.

Michel Foucault – 20th-century French philosopher and critical theorist, Foucault struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts throughout his life, sometimes exacerbated by his radical political involvement.

Immanuel Kant – German philosopher, known for his critical philosophy, had bouts of depression and struggled with obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

Martin Heidegger – German existential philosopher who struggled with deep feelings of anxiety and existential dread, particularly evident in his philosophy of “being-towards-death.”

Baruch Spinoza – Philosopher known for his rationalism, Spinoza likely experienced depression due to his alienation from his religious community and social isolation.

Simone Weil – French philosopher and mystic, Weil struggled with depression, physical self-neglect, and anorexia nervosa, which contributed to her early death.

David Hume – Scottish philosopher known for empiricism and skepticism. He experienced depression, especially in his youth, which he referred to as his “disease of the learned.”

Writers and Poets

Rumi (Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī) – The famous 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic, is often remembered for his profound spirituality and love for God, expressed through his poetry. His writing reflects deep emotional and spiritual struggles. Rumi’s relationship with his beloved friend and mentor, Shams of Tabriz, was central to his transformation as a mystic and poet. After Shams’ disappearance (likely murder), Rumi went through a profound period of grief and heartache, which could be seen as a form of depression. This loss shaped much of his later work, leading to an intense focus on the themes of longing, separation, and the union with the divine.

Virginia Woolf – English modernist writer who struggled with severe depression and bipolar disorder, leading to her eventual suicide.

Sylvia Plath – American poet and novelist, who struggled with depression and bipolar disorder, vividly reflected in her works like The Bell Jar. She died by suicide.

Ernest Hemingway – Novelist and Nobel laureate who suffered from depression and alcohol dependency. Hemingway ultimately died by suicide.

Emily Dickinson – Reclusive American poet who is believed to have experienced depression and anxiety, which is reflected in her isolated lifestyle and introspective poetry.

Edgar Allan Poe – American writer and poet known for his dark, gothic tales, Poe suffered from depression, addiction to alcohol, and possible bipolar disorder. His work often reflected themes of madness and despair.

Leo Tolstoy – Russian novelist, author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina, Tolstoy experienced profound spiritual crises and depression, particularly later in life, leading him to renounce his wealth and fame in search of moral and spiritual redemption.

Franz Kafka – Czech writer, known for works like The Metamorphosis and The Trial, Kafka suffered from severe anxiety, depression, and possibly schizoid personality disorder. His writing reflects themes of alienation, guilt, and existential dread.

David Foster Wallace – Contemporary American novelist and essayist, Wallace struggled with severe depression and anxiety throughout his life. His most famous novel, Infinite Jest, explores themes of addiction, mental health, and the search for meaning. He died by suicide in 2008.

Anne Sexton – American poet who explored mental illness and depression in her work. Sexton struggled with bipolar disorder and underwent psychiatric treatment for much of her life before dying by suicide.

Tennessee Williams – American playwright, author of A Streetcar Named Desire, Williams struggled with depression and addiction, both of which influenced his work.

Dostoevsky – Russian novelist, author of Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov. He suffered from epilepsy and depression, which were exacerbated by personal tragedies and financial stress.

T. S. Eliot – Anglo-American poet and playwright, who experienced mental breakdowns and depression, particularly evident in his modernist poetry like The Waste Land.

Herman Melville – Author of Moby Dick, Melville struggled with depression, particularly due to the failure of his major works to gain recognition during his lifetime.

Mark Twain – The American author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn experienced deep depression, especially after the death of his wife and daughters.

Artists

Leonardo da Vinci – The Renaissance polymath, is believed to have suffered from some form of attention deficit disorder (ADD) or ADHD. His tendency to start numerous projects and then leave many unfinished, his broad range of interests, and his restless nature have led modern psychologists to speculate that he had symptoms of ADHD. Some also argue that his periods of isolation and introspection, along with his relentless pursuit of knowledge, might suggest struggles with mental health. It is also thought that his boundless creativity and curiosity might have been tied to his atypical neurological patterns.

Andy Warhol – Warhol was a deeply private individual who had significant struggles with anxiety and insecurity. Although he never publicly discussed mental health issues, many accounts from his life suggest that Warhol dealt with chronic feelings of alienation and social anxiety. He was often described as introverted and uncomfortable in social situations, despite being at the center of the vibrant art scene in New York.

There are also speculations that Warhol suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). His repetitive art style, as seen in the repetitive images in his works, and his obsessive attention to detail in his life and art, could be indicative of this. Warhol’s fixation on celebrity culture, consumerism, and death also reflected deeper anxieties and concerns that he explored through his work.

Additionally, Warhol survived an assassination attempt in 1968 by writer and radical feminist Valerie Solanas. After this, his friends and colleagues noticed that his behavior became even more withdrawn, and he developed a fear of hospitals and more pronounced paranoia. He wore a surgical corset for the rest of his life due to injuries from the shooting, which may have contributed to his anxiety and heightened fears of death.

Vincent van Gogh – One of the most famous post-impressionist painters, Van Gogh is thought to have suffered from depression, anxiety, and possibly bipolar disorder, culminating in his tragic suicide.

Edvard Munch – Norwegian painter, best known for The Scream, Munch suffered from anxiety, depression, and possibly bipolar disorder, which influenced his vivid, emotionally charged art.

Michelangelo – Renaissance sculptor and painter, Michelangelo is thought to have suffered from depression and obsessive-compulsive tendencies, though less is documented than in other cases.

Paul Gauguin – Post-impressionist artist who often lived in isolation and struggled with depression and possibly bipolar disorder. His intense emotional experiences are reflected in his bold, vibrant artwork.

Jackson Pollock – American abstract expressionist painter who struggled with alcoholism, depression, and possible bipolar disorder. Pollock’s mental health issues, coupled with addiction, shaped his turbulent personal and professional life.

Mark Rothko – Abstract expressionist painter known for his color field paintings. Rothko struggled with depression throughout his life, and his mental health deteriorated further in his later years, culminating in his suicide in 1970.

Salvador Dalí – Surrealist painter known for his eccentric behavior, Dalí experienced anxiety and depression throughout his life, particularly linked to his existential fears of death and his strained relationship with his wife.

Francisco Goya – Spanish painter who suffered from severe depression and paranoia, particularly later in life, which influenced his “Black Paintings” series.

Georgia O’Keeffe – American modernist painter, known for her large paintings of flowers and desert landscapes. She struggled with periods of severe depression and nervous breakdowns.

Edgar Degas – Impressionist painter and sculptor, who experienced chronic depression, possibly exacerbated by his vision problems later in life.

Frida Kahlo – Mexican painter known for her self-portraits, Kahlo struggled with lifelong physical pain and depression, which profoundly shaped her artwork.

Psychologists and Psychiatrists

Sigmund Freud – Founder of psychoanalysis, Freud experienced periods of depression and anxiety, especially later in life after battles with cancer and conflict over his theories.

Carl Jung – Founder of analytical psychology, Jung had a period of severe mental illness, including hallucinations and delusions, following a split from Freud, which he described as a ‘confrontation with the unconscious.’

Abraham Maslow – Psychologist known for creating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Maslow experienced periods of depression and anxiety, particularly later in life, as he struggled with health issues and the pressures of his career.

R. D. Laing – Scottish psychiatrist who developed controversial theories on mental illness, particularly schizophrenia. Laing himself struggled with depression and alcoholism, and his personal battles influenced his work in understanding mental health.

Composers, Musicians, Singers

Ludwig van Beethoven – The famous composer suffered from severe bouts of depression and bipolar disorder, especially as he dealt with hearing loss later in life. His struggles are often reflected in the intensity of his music.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – The Russian composer of ballets like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker struggled with depression, anxiety, and possible bipolar disorder. He was also conflicted by his homosexuality in a conservative society.

Robert Schumann – German composer who suffered from depression and auditory hallucinations. He experienced a significant mental breakdown in his later years and was admitted to a mental asylum, where he eventually died.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – The Austrian composer exhibited manic and depressive symptoms, which some believe could have been related to bipolar disorder, though this remains speculative.

Sergei Rachmaninoff – Russian composer and pianist, Rachmaninoff experienced deep depression and a creative block for several years after the failure of his Symphony No. 1.

Amy Winehouse – British singer-songwriter who struggled with drug addiction, depression, and bulimia. Her mental health struggles contributed to her early death.

Kurt Cobain – Lead singer and guitarist of Nirvana, Cobain struggled with heroin addiction, depression, and chronic stomach pain, leading to his suicide in 1994.

Ludwig van Beethoven – Beethoven’s struggles with his deafness were compounded by bouts of depression and manic episodes, influencing his later, more intense compositions.

Chris Cornell – The lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave, Cornell struggled with depression and addiction throughout his career and took his own life in 2017.

Chester Bennington – The Linkin Park singer battled with depression, trauma from his childhood, and substance abuse, ultimately taking his life in 2017.

Demi Lovato – The pop star has been open about her struggles with bipolar disorder, addiction, eating disorders, and self-harm, and has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness.

Kanye West – The rapper and producer has spoken about his struggles with bipolar disorder, which has influenced his music and public behavior.

Lady Gaga – Gaga has been vocal about her experiences with depression, anxiety, and PTSD after a sexual assault in her teens, using her music to advocate for mental health awareness.

Selena Gomez – The singer and actress has opened up about her struggles with depression, anxiety, and undergoing treatment for mental health, including therapy and hospitalisation.

Britney Spears – The pop icon has publicly struggled with her mental health, including breakdowns, anxiety, and depression, which were widely publicised in the media.

Zayn Malik – The former One Direction member has spoken about his struggles with anxiety, which affected his ability to perform live.

Justin Bieber – The pop star has discussed his struggles with depression, anxiety, and the pressures of fame, especially in his younger years.

Shawn Mendes – Mendes has opened up about his struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, particularly as his fame grew.

Adele – The Grammy-winning singer has spoken about her struggles with postnatal depression after the birth of her son, as well as anxiety.

Billie Eilish – The young pop sensation has been open about her struggles with depression, body image issues, and suicidal thoughts during her rise to fame.

Ed Sheeran – Sheeran has spoken about his struggles with substance abuse, depression, and anxiety, especially during the peak of his career.

Sinead O’Connor – The Irish singer has been very public about her battles with depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, leading to a break from her career.

Mariah Carey – The legendary pop singer has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has been open about her struggles to maintain mental health while managing a successful career.

Miley Cyrus – The singer and actress has discussed her experiences with anxiety and depression, especially during her transition from child star to adult performer.

Robbie Williams – The British singer has struggled with depression, anxiety, and addiction throughout his career and has been vocal about his mental health.

Selena Quintanilla – The late Tejano music star, before her tragic death, was believed to have suffered from the pressures and mental strain associated with her career and fame.

Footballers

Eric Cantona – the iconic Manchester United footballer, was known for his brilliance on the pitch and his unpredictable, sometimes volatile behavior. While Cantona has not publicly discussed specific mental health issues, his infamous “kung fu kick” at a fan during a match in 1995 is often cited as evidence of his struggles with controlling his emotions and anger. His temper and impulsive actions led to numerous suspensions during his career. Cantona has since reflected on how his intense passion for the game and the pressure of being in the public eye impacted his mental state. His self-imposed exile from football following his ban, and his subsequent pivot to acting and artistic pursuits, suggest that Cantona may have used these outlets to find balance and express his emotions in more constructive ways.

Gary Speed – The Welsh football legend and former national team manager, tragically took his own life in 2011. Speed’s death shocked the football world, as he was widely regarded as a charismatic, calm, and composed figure both on and off the pitch. In hindsight, it was revealed that Speed had been privately battling depression. Friends, colleagues, and family have expressed how he kept these struggles hidden, maintaining a stoic public image. Speed’s untimely death sparked important conversations about mental health in the world of football, with many players and fans beginning to speak more openly about the pressures that come with the game, as well as the importance of seeking help.

Ryan Giggs – the legendary Manchester United winger, has faced scrutiny regarding his personal life, particularly surrounding issues of infidelity and aggression. While Giggs has not publicly addressed specific mental health conditions, his off-field actions and controversial relationships have often been tied to emotional turmoil and difficulties managing personal stress. More recently, Giggs faced legal issues, including charges related to domestic violence. His struggles in managing his emotions and personal relationships, while not explicitly linked to mental illness, hint at deeper psychological challenges that many high-profile athletes face, especially under the intense scrutiny.

George Best – one of Manchester United’s greatest-ever players, was a football genius whose life was tragically marked by his battle with alcoholism. Best struggled with alcohol dependency throughout his career and after retirement, leading to a sharp decline in his health and personal life. He openly admitted to using alcohol as a way to cope with the pressures of fame and the immense expectations placed on him from a young age. Best’s drinking eventually led to liver failure, and despite several attempts at recovery, he continued to struggle with addiction until his death in 2005.

Andrés Iniesta – The Spanish footballer, known for his success with Barcelona and Spain, has been open about his battle with depression, especially after an injury and the death of his close friend Dani Jarque.

Paul Gascoigne – Former England midfielder, “Gazza” struggled with alcoholism and mental health issues throughout his career and after retirement, including depression and bipolar disorder.

David Beckham – The former England captain has spoken about suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety, with his need for control affecting his mental health.

Aaron Lennon – The English winger has been vocal about his mental health struggles, which led to him being detained under the Mental Health Act in 2017.

Clarke Carlisle – The former Burnley defender has openly discussed his battle with depression and attempted suicide. He has become an advocate for mental health awareness in football.

Danny Rose – The Tottenham and England defender has publicly discussed his struggles with depression, triggered by family issues and injuries.

Gianluigi Buffon – The legendary Italian goalkeeper has admitted to dealing with depression, especially during the early years of his career.

Robert Enke – The German goalkeeper tragically took his own life in 2009 after battling severe depression for many years.

Chris Kirkland – Former Liverpool goalkeeper Kirkland has opened up about his severe anxiety, which affected his playing career and post-retirement life.

Wayne Rooney – England’s all-time top scorer has spoken about struggles with anger, alcohol, and mental health issues during his career.

Actors

Robin Williams – The beloved actor and comedian struggled with severe depression and addiction throughout his life, which tragically ended in suicide in 2014.

Heath Ledger – The Australian actor, best known for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight, dealt with insomnia, anxiety, and substance abuse before his accidental overdose in 2008.

Carrie Fisher – Famous for her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars, Fisher was vocal about her bipolar disorder and substance abuse issues, becoming an advocate for mental health.

Owen Wilson – The actor, known for his comedic roles, struggled with depression and attempted suicide in 2007, but he has since spoken about his journey toward recovery.

Jim Carrey – The iconic comedian has spoken openly about his battles with depression and the use of medication to manage it, while advocating for mental health awareness.

Winona Ryder – The Stranger Things actress struggled with anxiety, depression, and burnout, which led to a public breakdown in the early 2000s.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – The actor and former wrestler has spoken openly about his struggles with depression and mental health, especially after the death of his mother and dealing with personal challenges.

Ben Affleck – Affleck has discussed his battles with alcoholism, depression, and anxiety, especially during periods of intense scrutiny from the media.

Catherine Zeta-Jones – The Welsh actress revealed that she was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and has openly discussed how it has affected her career and personal life.

Ryan Reynolds – Known for his witty public persona, Reynolds has spoken about his lifelong struggles with anxiety, which he continues to manage.

Emma Stone – The Oscar-winning actress has been open about her struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, which began at a young age.

Chris Evans – The Captain America star has talked about his struggles with anxiety, particularly in relation to the pressure and stress of performing in high-profile roles.

Kristen Bell – Bell has been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, openly discussing her battles with anxiety and depression.

Jon Hamm – The Mad Men star has battled chronic depression and struggled with alcohol abuse, particularly after the death of his parents.

Jennifer Lawrence – The actress has spoken candidly about her struggles with anxiety, particularly as her fame skyrocketed.

Brad Pitt – Pitt has spoken about struggling with depression and substance abuse, especially following his high-profile divorce from Angelina Jolie.

Shia LaBeouf – LaBeouf has dealt with addiction, PTSD, and anger issues, which he has openly discussed during interviews and through his work in therapy and rehabilitation.

Zachary Levi – Known for his role in Shazam!, Levi has spoken candidly about dealing with depression and anxiety, and how therapy and faith helped him cope.

Elijah Wood – The Lord of the Rings star has discussed his struggles with anxiety and depression, which he has faced since his teenage years.

David Harbour – The Stranger Things star has been open about his bipolar disorder and how it affected his personal and professional life, particularly early in his acting career.

Jared Padalecki – The Supernatural star has publicly battled depression and launched the “Always Keep Fighting” campaign to raise awareness for mental health issues.

Anne Hathaway – The Oscar-winning actress has talked about her struggles with anxiety and depression, particularly during her early career.

Keira Knightley – Knightley has openly discussed her struggles with anxiety and PTSD, which developed after the intense media scrutiny she faced early in her career.

Zoe Saldana – The Guardians of the Galaxy actress has spoken about her struggles with anxiety and how it affects her life both personally and professionally.

Michael Phelps – The Olympic swimmer, who also appeared in various TV shows and movies, has spoken extensively about his struggles with depression and anxiety, advocating for mental health awareness.

Selma Blair – The Cruel Intentions star has spoken about her battles with multiple sclerosis and how the diagnosis and symptoms have affected her mental health, leading to periods of depression.

Lili Reinhart – The Riverdale star has been open about her struggles with depression and anxiety, advocating for the importance of mental health awareness in the entertainment industry.

Historical figures

Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1494–1566) – the longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, is another historical figure who showed signs of deep emotional struggles, particularly later in life. Though he was a political and military leader, he was also a poet and deeply reflective individual. He endured the execution of his eldest son, Prince Mustafa, due to palace intrigues, and the emotional toll this took on him is well documented. Suleiman’s poetry, written under the pen name Muhibbi, reveals his inner turmoil, grief, and personal battles with maintaining his rule while facing emotional struggles.

Ibn Al-Haytham (Alhazen) (965–1040) – The great mathematician, physicist, and scholar Ibn Al-Haytham experienced personal mental health struggles, particularly after failing to achieve his ambitious projects in Baghdad. After being appointed by the ruler of Egypt to manage a large engineering project, Ibn Al-Haytham claimed insanity to escape the consequences of his failure. He was placed under house arrest, which gave him time to engage in deep philosophical and scientific reflection. During this period of isolation, he made significant contributions to optics and scientific methodology, including writing his influential work Book of Optics. His temporary isolation, whether a result of mental health or intellectual pressure, became a transformative period of immense creativity.

Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih (1432–1481) – The Ottoman Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih, known for conquering Constantinople, showed signs of immense emotional and psychological stress during his reign. Despite his military successes, he often wrestled with the pressures of leadership, both politically and spiritually. He was known for being reflective, and some historical accounts suggest he may have experienced bouts of anxiety and spiritual distress as he navigated the complexities of leadership in a highly charged political and religious environment.

Shaykh Ahmad al-Alawi (1869–1934) – A modern Sufi scholar, Shaykh Ahmad al-Alawi is known for revitalizing Sufism in the 20th century. He experienced long periods of isolation, spiritual struggle, and psychological crises, often linked to his spiritual path. As part of the Sufi tradition, such experiences were often viewed as part of the process of self-purification and spiritual elevation, rather than mental illness in the modern sense. Al-Alawi’s writings reflect the inner battles he faced, as well as his journey toward finding peace and spiritual fulfillment.

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821) – the French military leader and emperor, was known for his extraordinary ambition, military brilliance, and complex personality. Some historians and psychologists have suggested that Napoleon may have had traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder, characterised by extreme self-confidence, a grandiose sense of importance, and a desire for power and admiration. His manic energy, obsessive focus on conquering Europe, and sometimes impulsive decisions in battle suggest a possible bipolar disorder or obsessive-compulsive tendencies. In his later years, particularly during his exile on the island of Saint Helena, Napoleon experienced deep depression and melancholy, as his dreams of a lasting empire crumbled.

Emperor Aurangzeb (1618–1707) – the sixth Mughal emperor, was known for his extreme piety, ambition, and autocratic rule, which contrasted with the more tolerant policies of his predecessors. He was deeply devout but also emotionally isolated, especially in his later years, consumed by an obsession to consolidate and expand the empire. Some historians speculate that Aurangzeb may have suffered from paranoia and an intense fear of losing control, as evidenced by his actions against his own family (imprisoning his father, Shah Jahan, and executing his brothers). His last letters reveal deep regret, spiritual turmoil, and remorse, reflecting a man troubled by the consequences of his decades-long rule and conquests.

Emperor Shah Jahan (1592–1666) – known for commissioning the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, suffered deep emotional pain and depression following her death. The loss of his beloved wife affected him profoundly, and while he poured his grief into the creation of one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels, it is believed that this event also led to a prolonged period of mourning and emotional withdrawal. Later in life, his imprisonment by his son, Aurangzeb, added to his isolation and mental anguish.

Nelson Mandela (1918–2013) – the iconic South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and first Black president of South Africa, endured extraordinary mental and emotional challenges during his 27 years of imprisonment. While Mandela rarely spoke about his mental health in terms of depression or anxiety, his writings from prison reveal moments of deep despair, loneliness, and emotional struggle. Mandela’s imprisonment, particularly his long isolation on Robben Island, tested his mental endurance. Despite these challenges, Mandela’s resilience was a defining characteristic, and he often spoke of how meditation, faith, and a focus on the greater good helped him find inner peace in the face of severe hardship. His ability to emerge from prison without bitterness was a testament to his incredible emotional strength, though it’s likely that his experiences left scars that were difficult to fully express.

Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) – the leader of India’s non-violent independence movement, was a complex figure who, despite his philosophy of peace and non-violence, faced significant personal struggles. Gandhi’s writings and letters reveal a man constantly battling his inner conflicts, including feelings of guilt, anger, and emotional turmoil. He engaged in extreme acts of self-discipline, including fasting and celibacy, as a way to control his urges and emotions. Some scholars believe that Gandhi’s rigid self-control and need for spiritual purity may have been an attempt to manage underlying anxiety or obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Gandhi’s personal letters also indicate moments of depression, particularly following the violence of the partition and the failure of his lifelong goal to see a united, peaceful India.

Genghis Khan (1162–1227) – the legendary Mongol conqueror, was known for his military brilliance and brutal methods, but his rise to power and later years may have been marked by deep psychological struggles. From a young age, Genghis Khan faced trauma, including the murder of his father, abandonment by his tribe, and periods of starvation and isolation. This early life hardship likely shaped his ruthless nature and deep-seated paranoia about betrayal. Though Khan is often remembered for his cold, strategic mind, some accounts suggest that his later years were marked by inner conflict and regret, particularly following the deaths of close family members and trusted generals. His emotional detachment, relentless conquests, and occasional rage-fueled violence hint at possible post-traumatic stress from the brutal events of his life.

Shah Abbas I (1571–1629) – one of the greatest rulers of the Safavid Empire, dealt with significant emotional instability throughout his reign. His later years were marked by paranoia, leading to the execution or imprisonment of several of his sons and close advisors, out of fear of being overthrown. This paranoia and mistrust of even those closest to him seemed to reflect deep psychological unrest. Historians have speculated that Shah Abbas, much like other rulers who lived under constant threat of assassination or betrayal, may have suffered from anxiety and fear of loss, compounded by the intense pressure to maintain power and control over a vast empire.