Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe became synonymous with “Harry Potter” at age 11, being cast for the titular role in the Harry Potter films. Radcliffe is an LGBT activist; he has spoken out against homophobia and filmed public service announcements for the Trevor Project to raise awareness for gay teen suicide prevention.
Radcliffe has opened up about his struggles with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as well as dyspraxia, a neurological coordination disorder that impacts his motor skills. This sometimes makes it hard for him to perform mundane tasks, such as writing or tying his shoelaces.
When interviewed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Radcliffe spoke openly about his childhood OCD, and described it as being intense, to the point that it took him five minutes to turn off the lights. Radcliffe encouraged people to get the mental health help that they need, saying, “I would encourage everyone to undergo therapy. It doesn’t mean you’re insane or weak.” He went on to say that therapy was the most important step he took in learning to cope with this disorder.
Radcliffe has also offered support for those who, like him, suffer from dyspraxia. As he told one 10-year old girl, “[Dyspraxia] has never held me back, and some of the smartest people I know are people who have learning disabilities.” Many, such as Blanche Podhajski of the professional advisory board of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, have praised Radcliffe’s openness about his struggles, and echoed his sentiments about the importance of therapy and counseling.
Radcliffe’s willingness to share about his own mental health challenges will ultimately help others who share his struggle with mental health by destigmatizing the conversation around mental health, as well as by encouraging everyone to seek out the support they need.