Rishika Shahi
Chappell Roan, the rising pop star known for her vibrant music and captivating performances, has bravely opened up about her struggles with severe depression amidst her meteoric rise in the music industry. As she gains recognition and a growing fanbase, Roan emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and the challenges that often accompany fame. Her candid revelations serve as a reminder of the pressures artists face behind the scenes.
The Impact of Fame on Mental Health
Roan discusses how the pressures of sudden fame can exacerbate mental health issues. The expectations to perform and maintain a public persona can lead to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy, highlighting the need for open conversations about mental well-being in the entertainment industry.
“I went to a psychiatrist last week because I was like, I don’t know what’s going on,” Roan told The Guardian. “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.”
Brain fog, forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, and what she called “a very lacklustre viewpoint” on life are some of the symptoms Roan listed. She thinks that the rapid changes in her life over the previous year—from an underground music sensation to a worldwide superstar—are the cause of her mental health problems.
In interviews, Roan has shared her experiences with depression, describing it as a constant battle that affects her daily life. By speaking openly about her condition, she hopes to destigmatize mental health struggles and encourage others to seek help when needed.
Fame comes with terms and conditions
“Everything that I really love to do now comes with baggage,” she said, describing how her sudden celebrity has changed even seemingly straightforward pursuits. “I have to schedule security and get ready for the fact that this is not going to be typical if I want to go thrifting. How can I exercise in a safe method that won’t put me in danger, such as going to the park, doing yoga, or going to pilates? She vented her anger on TikTok about those who bother her in public or assume she’s always up for pictures and interactions.
“I don’t care that abuse and harassment, stalking, whatever, is a normal thing to do to people who are famous or a little famous,” Roan expressed frustration in her TikTok video. “I don’t give a f–k if you think it’s selfish of me to say no for a photo or for your time or for a hug – that’s not normal, that’s weird!”
Roan argued that the abuse that frequently accompanies popularity is what bothers her, not the recognition itself. She recently stated, “I feel like fame is just abusive.” “This feels like the vibe of an abusive ex-husband: talking shit online, stalking, [people who] won’t leave you alone, yelling at you in public.” The release of Chappell Roan’s first full album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, was a turning point in her career.
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