Chappell Roan, the rising star of the music world, has candidly revealed her diagnosis of “severe depression” following her rapid ascent to fame. In a recent interview with The Guardian, the singer shared how the pressures of success have profoundly affected her mental health, forcing her to seek professional help.
The Impact of Fame on Mental Health
Roan, known for her hit album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, discussed how fame has dramatically altered her life. Despite her years in the music industry, the massive attention her work received in 2024 has been overwhelming. “My whole life has changed,” she explained. The intense public scrutiny and the shift in her day-to-day existence have led her to experience symptoms like brain fog, forgetfulness, and a lack of focus.
In an effort to understand what was happening to her, Roan decided to seek therapy and psychiatric care. “I went to a psychiatrist last week because I was like, I don’t know what’s going on,” she revealed. To her surprise, she was diagnosed with severe depression, even though she didn’t feel conventionally “sad.” Instead, she described her emotional state as feeling disconnected and having a “lacklustre viewpoint” on life.
Struggles with Public Attention and Safety Concerns
Roan has spoken openly about the darker side of fame, including predatory fans and invasive public encounters. Everyday activities such as thrifting or going to the park have become fraught with anxiety for her. “Everything that I really love to do now comes with baggage. If I want to go thrifting, I have to book security and prepare myself that this is not going to be normal.”
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She also shared her frustrations with being unable to feel safe in public spaces, fearing harassment or stalking. This shift in her reality has had a profound emotional toll, leading to moments where she finds herself sobbing or angry at her own career choices.
Rejecting Celebrity Culture
Roan’s distaste for the celebrity lifestyle became particularly evident after a viral moment at the VMAs, where she told a photographer to “shut the f— up.” Reflecting on the incident, Roan expressed her discomfort with the expectations placed on public figures, especially women, to always be polite and accommodating. “Some girls have been in this so long that they’re used to that, but I’m not that girl,” she stated, explaining her refusal to conform to those norms.
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Gratitude for Fans, Not for Abuse
Despite the mental health challenges she faces, Roan is careful to emphasize that her struggles are not with her fans or her success. “They think I’m complaining about my success,” she said. “I’m complaining about being abused.” While she appreciates the love and recognition her music has garnered, the darker side of fame—such as invasive interactions and loss of personal freedom—has been difficult for her to navigate.
Finding a Path Forward
Roan continues to work through her mental health challenges with regular therapy sessions, hoping to find balance amid her rising fame. Through it all, she remains committed to her music and her fans, striving to maintain a sense of authenticity and vulnerability.
[…] Read this also: Chappell Roan Opens Up About Her Battle with Severe Depression Amid Sudden Rise to Fame […]