Singer Chappell Roan has publicly shared her recent diagnosis of severe depression and her decision to start therapy. This revelation comes in the wake of fan criticism regarding her perceived attitude towards her increasing fame and public profile.
Roan, who has seen significant success with six songs charting on the US Hot 100 and three in the UK Top 40 after releasing her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, has been navigating the complexities of rising stardom. Despite receiving the Best New Artist award at the MTV VMA Awards this year, she has faced backlash for expressing concerns about the lack of privacy that accompanies her growing recognition.
In a candid interview with The Guardian, Roan disclosed that she has begun attending therapy sessions twice a week and was diagnosed with severe depression the previous week. She elaborated on her experience, stating, “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 further detailed the symptoms she has been experiencing, including brain fog, forgetfulness, poor focus, and a general “lacklustre viewpoint.” She attributed these struggles to the dramatic changes in her life brought about by fame. “I think it’s because my whole life has changed. Everything that I really love to do now comes with baggage,” she explained. Simple activities she once enjoyed, like thrifting, going to the park, pilates, or yoga, now require careful planning and security considerations to avoid stalking and harassment, fundamentally altering her sense of normalcy and freedom.
The singer also addressed a viral incident at the VMA Awards where she responded assertively to a photographer, highlighting her discomfort with certain aspects of celebrity culture. “I’m very turned off by the celebrity of it all,” Roan admitted to The Guardian. “Some girls have been in this so long that they’re used to that, but I’m not that girl. I’m not gonna be a sweetie pie to a man who’s telling me to shut the f*** up.”
Addressing the criticism from some fans who perceive her as complaining about her success, Roan clarified, “They think I’m complaining about my success. I’m complaining about being abused.” This statement underscores the emotional toll that the darker sides of fame have taken on her mental health.
Previously, in an interview with The Face magazine, Roan had likened fame to an “abusive ex-husband,” a powerful metaphor capturing the damaging and restrictive aspects of intense public scrutiny. Her recent diagnosis of severe depression and her decision to seek professional help highlight the very real mental health challenges faced by artists navigating the complexities of modern fame. Roan’s openness about her diagnosis can contribute to destigmatizing mental health struggles, particularly within the high-pressure environment of the entertainment industry.
