(WS News) – Pop singer Chappell Roan, whose rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric, recently revealed her struggle with severe depression.
In a new interview, the 26-year-old singer opened up about her mental health battle and how fame has changed her life.
“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.”
Roan described her symptoms, which include brain fog, forgetfulness, poor focus and what she called “a very lacklustre viewpoint” on life.
She believes her mental health issues stem from how quickly her life has changed over the past year as she transitioned from being an underground pop sensation to a global superstar.
“Everything that I really love to do now comes with baggage,” she explained, reflecting on how her new fame has altered even simple activities.
“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?”
Roan has been open with her fans about the challenges of handling her sudden fame. In June, during a concert, she admitted that she was “having a really hard time” adjusting to the pressures of her new life.
In August, she spoke out against the aggressive behaviour of some fans. On TikTok, she expressed her frustration with those who harass her in public or expect her to always be available for photos 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 said 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 insisted that it’s not the fame she’s upset about but the mistreatment that often comes with it. “I feel like fame is just abusive,” she said in a recent interview.
“The vibe of this – stalking, talking s–t online, [people who] won’t leave you alone, yelling at you in public – is the vibe of an abusive ex-husband.”
Chappell Roan’s career breakthrough came with the release of her first full album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.
