Dunst’s career was going from strength to strength, but behind the scenes the actress was struggling.
In 2008, she sought treatment for depression at Cirque Lodge, a rehabilitation facility in Utah.
“I feel like most people around 27, the s— hits the fan. Whatever is working in your brain, you can’t live like that any more mentally,” Dunst, pictured in 2008, said in an interview years later.
“I feel like I was angry. You don’t know that you are repressing all this anger, it wasn’t a conscious thing.
“I would recommend getting help when you need it.”
In another interview, Dunst said the public had “totally ridiculous” expectations of actors.
“It’s unfair that an artist is expected to speak really well in public and have skin tough enough to withstand sometimes really hurtful criticism, but also, in order to do the job, be really sensitive and in touch with their feelings,” she said.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, visit the Beyond Blue website or call 1300 22 4636.