We are encouraged to strive for success and if we if achieve some level of success we are encouraged to try for even more. But great success often comes with a cost. Pressure, anxiety and depression can be the companions of attainment.
Liam Payne took part in the TV show, Britain’s got Talent at the age of 14. He was chosen to join a freshly created boy band, One Direction, which went on to worldwide chart success and huge media focus. He was feted as a superstar but complained of his struggles with drink, drugs and mental health. He fell to his death in 2024 at the age of 31.
The popular actor Matthew Perry was best known for playing Chandler Bing on “Friends,”. He died in 2023, at age 54. He had long struggled with addiction, which he openly discussed in his 2022 memoir.
A study of over 1,000 successful musicians by Mark Bellis and others at Liverpool John Moore’s University found that these artists had significantly higher mortality rates than non-famous peers. Drug overdoses, alcohol-related disorders, and accidents were common causes.
Here are more examples of individuals who achieved significant success but struggled with mental health and personal fulfilment issues.
Robin Williams: The beloved comedian and actor battled depression and addiction throughout his highly successful career, ultimately taking his own life in 2014.
Ernest Hemingway: The Nobel Prize-winning author struggled with depression and alcoholism, eventually committing suicide despite his literary acclaim.
Marilyn Monroe: One of the most iconic actresses of all time, she battled depression and substance abuse, dying at the young age of 36.
Kurt Cobain: The Nirvana frontman achieved massive success in the music industry but struggled with chronic pain, depression, and drug addiction before his suicide in 1994.
Howard Hughes: The successful businessman, investor, pilot, and film director became increasingly reclusive and obsessive-compulsive in his later years despite his wealth and achievements.
Judy Garland: The star of “The Wizard of Oz” and many other films struggled with substance abuse and depression throughout her career.
Elvis Presley: The “King of Rock and Roll” battled prescription drug addiction and health issues in his later years, despite his immense fame and success.
Michael Jackson: The “King of Pop” achieved unparalleled success in the music industry but struggled with personal relationships, body image issues, and allegations that affected his mental health.
Amy Winehouse: The Grammy-winning singer battled drug and alcohol addiction throughout her short but highly successful career, passing away at the age of 27.
Some people handle fame and fortune well but many do not. External success – whether in the form of fame, wealth, or professional achievements – does not guarantee internal happiness or well-being. We need to redefine success to focus on well-being and fulfilment. We need to strive for what make us feel worthwhile and content rather than for what others might dictate.