Lewis Capaldi Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles in the Music Industry
As the entertainment industry continues to be one of the most sought-after fields to pursue, its professionals face a lot of mental and emotional challenges, often in silence. It's not uncommon for artists to pour their hearts and souls into their work, only to be met with criticism and judgment. Lewis Capaldi, the Scottish singer and songwriter, is no exception to this, as he opened up about his struggles with mental health in a recent documentary.
The documentary shows Capaldi in the process of writing his second album. However, as the footage progresses, his shoulder twitch becomes more evident and painful, reflecting his struggle to create music that meets his high standards. Capaldi confesses to lacking confidence in his abilities as a songwriter, especially after the success of his breakout single, "Someone You Love," which topped charts in both the UK and the US.
Capaldi's anxiety also manifests as panic attacks, which make him feel like he's "going insane." He describes feeling disconnected from reality, experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, and convulsions, which last for hours. Capaldi's mother, Carol, is his main source of support, spending hours on the phone with him as he tries to calm down.
The documentary also reveals that Capaldi has Tourette Syndrome, a neurological condition that causes involuntary movements or sounds. While the diagnosis was a relief for the singer, it also meant that he needed to address his anxiety to manage his tics better.
Capaldi's struggles with mental health can be traced back to the deaths of two close relatives during his childhood, which affected him deeply. Capaldi acknowledges that his anxieties about his health and mortality stem from those traumatic experiences.
Despite the challenges he faces, Capaldi has chosen to prioritise his mental health over his work. He admits to resisting help initially but eventually put his second album on hold to focus on his well-being. Capaldi's story serves as a reminder that mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being that should be prioritised.
Capaldi's willingness to open up about his struggles with mental health is a courageous step towards destigmatising mental illness. It is a reminder that mental health is not something to be ashamed of and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.