American pop star Chappell Roan (born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz) has become a household name quicker than she ever expected to, going from a cool new talent to one of the most talked-about names in music.
Roan hasn’t been shy about discussing the downsides of fame, including fan “abuse, harassment and stalking.” So why would she hesitate about her mental health?
In a new interview with The Guardian, Roan discussed how her life turned upside-down in the last year, calling her newfound fame “abnormal”. She also attributed all the changes in her life to a recent diagnosis of “severe depression.”
“I’m in therapy twice a week,” she told the publication. “I went to a psychiatrist last week because I was like, I don’t know what’s going on.
“She diagnosed me with severe depression – which I didn’t think I had because I’m not actually sad. But I have every symptom of someone who’s severely depressed.”
Roan mentioned brain fog, forgetfulness, poor focus and “a very lacklustre viewpoint” as symptoms she’s been dealing with, which all made sense upon receiving the diagnosis.
The Good Luck, Babe! singer continued, “I think it’s because my whole life has changed.
“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. Going to the park, pilates, yoga – how do I do this in a safe way where I’m not going to be stalked or harassed?”
Likening sudden fame to “going through puberty again,” Roan added, “Every time I walk through my front door, it just comes out of me.
“I can’t even help it, I just start sobbing and either being so angry at myself for choosing this path, or grieving how the curiosity and pure wonder I had about the world is somewhat taken away from me.”
In other Chappell Roan news, the singer recently hinted at her plans to tour Australia.
“I know Australia loves me! I love Australia!” she said at the VMAs.
When asked if there were any plans for another tour down under in the diary, she said, “I’m gonna come! I’m coming! We’re planning!”
Chappell Roan graced Australia in 2023 to tour her The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess debut album, wowing O.G. fans before the skyrocketing success of the 2024 single Good Luck, Babe! Roan’s 2024 single would go on to peak at #4 on the ARIA charts, cementing her as a well-loved act down under.
This article discusses mental health. If you are suffering from any of the issues discussed or need assistance, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
