An increasing number of celebrities have been opening up about their experiences with anxiety and bipolar disorder in a bid to raise awareness of mental health.

According to mental health charity Mind, one in every twenty people will experience anxiety each year – yet many Britons have a very limited understanding of what anxiety disorder is, or how it can effectively be managed.

Celebrities and popstars such as Selena Gomez, Adele and Zayn Malik have all opened up about their experiences with anxiety in recent months. The latter even cancelled a concert in Dubai due to the extremity of his symptoms.

Rachel Mackenzie, Celebrity and Ambassador’s Manager for Mind, said: “Historically, many celebrities feared the reaction of their fans, potential employers or others in the industry when they considered speaking out about their mental health.

“As awareness and understanding of mental health problems start to increase in the general population, it is inevitable that those already in the public eye begin to recognise the importance of talking about their experiences”.

Recent events suggest that celebrities’ efforts to open up about their experiences have not gone unnoticed by the general public.

Although fans of Zayn Malik were initially disappointed when the star cancelled his concert in Dubai back in October, many were quick to show the singer their support afterwards, using the hashtag #GetWellSoonZayn on social media.

Furthermore, research from Mind suggests that hearing a celebrity talk openly about their own mental health has inspired approximately a quarter of people who believe they are affected to seek help themselves.

A further 52 per cent of those quizzed said that listening to celebrities talk about mental health helps them not to feel alone.