Winona Ryder Talks About Being Labeled "Crazy"

By Ned Ehrbar

(CBS NEWS) – Winona Ryder is back in the spotlight thanks to her Netflix series "Stranger Things" -- and she's got some things to say. Like being labeled "crazy," for one.

The former Petaluma-resident has weathered a difficult public image that only got tougher following her 2001 arrest for shoplifting.

"I remember I did Diane Sawyer, and I talked about my experiences with anxiety and depression," Ryder told The Cut in a new interview. "And I think by doing that, maybe coupled with my physical size, there's this 'crazy' thing. And I've realized recently it's literally impossible to try and change that story."

There are other labels that have dogged Ryder, as well, and at least one she takes issue with.

"'I wish I could un-know this, but there is a perception of me that I'm supersensitive and fragile," she said. "And I am supersensitive, and I don't think that's a bad thing. To do what I do, I have to remain open."

That openness has led her to acclaim for her role as a mother at her wit's end after her young son goes missing in "Stranger Things" -- but even that has resulted in some commentary she's had to combat.

"There's a line in ['Stranger Things'] where someone says, 'She's had anxiety problems in the past.' A lot of people have picked up on that, like, 'Oh, you know, she's crazy,'" Ryder said. "And I'm like, 'OK, wait a second, she's struggling. Two kids, deadbeat dad, working her a** off. Who wouldn't be anxious?'"

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