5 Disney Channel Stars Who Have Suffered from Anxiety or Depression

They may have led–or still lead–perfect lives on TV, but the reality of these five Disney Channel stars are a lot more than meets the eye. But instead of keeping their personal issues out of the spotlight, they decided to open up about their experience not just for their own benefit, but for the others who are going through it as well. Read on to find out what Selena Gomez, Rowan Blanchard, Demi Lovato, Dove Cameron, and Miley Cyrus have to say about having anxiety or depression and how they felt about it. (via teen.com)

Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place, Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie, Princess Protection Program)

"I've discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges," Selena said in an exclusive statement she shared with People when she announced that she will be taking a break from work. "I know I am not alone by sharing this, I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues," she added.

Rowan Blanchard (Girl Meets World, Invisible Sister)

"As I found myself, this year in particular, going through ups and downs with depression, I realized that instead of rejecting and ostracizing these teenage feelings (human feelings), I can learn to love the intensity of them and know that everything is momentary," Rowan said in her year-end reflective essay, which she posted on her Instagram. 

Demi Lovato (Sonny With a Chance, Camp Rock, Princess Protection Program)

"I've actually had anxiety to the point where I've felt drugged. I actually ended up having problems with my thyroid because I was so stressed out and so anxious at times in my life. I remember one time I actually went to the hospital because I physically felt like I had been drugged; I was having an anxiety attack.

"On a day-to-day basis if I get anxiety, I just need to take a couple deep breaths because sometimes I feel like I can't catch my breath. Sometimes I'll get very shaky and very scattered. You know restless leg syndrome? It's like restless body syndrome," Demi shared with Huffington Post.

Dove Cameron (Liv & Maddie, Descendants)

"[Having anxiety] has made me that much more disciplined in my thoughts. So it has been a blessing in disguise... it's not about hiding it. It's about genuinely embracing, acknowledging, and managing it. I could never fake happiness!" Dove replied to a series of tweets by a follower asking if she ever had anxiety.

Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana, Hannah Montana The Movie)

"I would have anxiety attacks. I'd get hot flushes, feel like I was about to pass up or throw up. It would happen a lot before shows, and I'd have to cancel. Then the anxiety started coming from anxiety. I would be with my friends, thinking, I should be having so much fun. You get in this hole that seems like you're never going to be able to get out of," Miley said in an interview with Marie Claire.