Cara Delevingne Says Mental Health Is ‘So Important Right Now’

Cara Delevingne is using her platform to spotlight women making a difference and to speak openly about mental health and recovery.

The model and actress, who was named a Global Ambassador for L’Oréal Paris in late 2024, has partnered with the beauty brand ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8 to promote its Women of Worth program.

Delevingne first attended the Women of Worth gala a few years ago and said the experience left a lasting impact.

“It was one of the most inspiring, touching evenings,” she said, adding that she cried, laughed and had meaningful conversations throughout the night. “There’s so much bad news right now. We don’t talk enough about people doing amazing things and uplifting others.”

Launched in 2005, Women of Worth has grown into a nationwide movement, recognizing 200 women with mentorship, grants and national visibility for their grassroots efforts. Nominations for the 2026 program are open through March 8.

Focusing on Mental Health

Delevingne said mental health is one of her top priorities, especially in a time when many people feel overwhelmed.

“We’re joking that everything’s on fire,” she said. “But mental health is so important right now — being able to do good for yourself so you can do good for other people.”

On difficult days, she scrolls through GoFundMe pages to see how she can help. “I like seeing an actual dent you can make to help someone,” she said.

She also believes conversations about mental health must include social media. Delevingne has been open about her complicated relationship with Instagram, calling its algorithm “not meant for good things.” While she hasn’t deleted the app, she actively works to follow positive accounts that focus on good news — especially stories about women.

“When women’s rights are being taken away, or people of color or the queer community are under threat, we have to push the pendulum the other way,” she said. “If I’m constantly in fear, then I don’t leave the house — and nothing gets done.”

A Turning Point in 2022

Delevingne’s advocacy is deeply personal. In late 2022, after paparazzi photos showed her appearing distressed at Van Nuys Airport following a trip to Burning Man, she checked herself into rehab. She later described the images as a painful but necessary wake-up call.

She committed to a 12-step program and holistic therapy, focusing on the root causes of her substance use. Since then, she has spoken openly about her sobriety and the importance of ongoing recovery.

Her struggles, she has said, began long before fame. At 15, she experienced a severe breakdown with suicidal thoughts and intense anxiety. She has also spoken about her mother’s heroin addiction and how it shaped her childhood.

In 2017, Delevingne revealed she has ADHD and dyspraxia, conditions that made her feel “different” growing up.

Today, she describes herself as “calmer” and “stiller.” She credits sobriety with helping her handle major challenges — including the fire that destroyed her Los Angeles home in March 2024 — without relapsing.

She continues to attend major events and festivals sober, including Glastonbury, joking that while it “smells worse” and her feet hurt more, she actually remembers and enjoys the experience.

Her renewed focus has also strengthened her career. Delevingne earned praise for her performance as Sally Bowles in Cabaret in London’s West End, calling her stability “worth every second.”

“I’m calmer. Before, I didn’t trust myself. I second-guessed myself constantly,” she said. “Now I just feel free of that.”

Using Her Voice

As International Women’s Day approaches, Delevingne says uplifting women’s voices is more important than ever.

Through her work with L’Oréal Paris and Women of Worth, she hopes to highlight stories of resilience and inspire others to speak openly about mental health.

“We need to celebrate the people who are doing good,” she said. “We need that now more than ever.”