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From Sylvia Plath to Franz Kafka: 5 renowned authors who faced mental health struggles

Many famous authors battled depression and mental distress during their lives. These writers turned their inner struggles into timeless literature, reminding us that pain often shapes powerful stories.

Muskan Verma | Jul 25, 2025, 02:05 PM IST

1.Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka
1

Kafka grew up with a distant, strict father and suffered lifelong depression. His introspective and surreal writings reflect a deep, constant internal turmoil that defined his personal life.

 

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2.Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath
2

Author of The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath dealt with bipolar disorder and severe depression. Her powerful confessional writing still resonates with readers navigating emotional darkness.

 

3.David Foster Wallace

David Foster Wallace
3

The author of Infinite Jest battled deep depression for most of his adult life. His work showcased the layered, complex, and honest stories and also captured the silent chaos he fought privately.

 

4.Anne Sexton

Anne Sexton
4

Pulitzer-winning poet Anne Sexton turned her depression into raw, confessional poetry. Her verses revealed a mind in constant struggle but one unafraid to speak out.

 

5.Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway
5

Known for his macho persona and gripping storytelling, Hemingway suffered severe depression. His personal battles often echoed in his writing, revealing the depth of his suffering.

 

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