Fame, Mental Health, and the Price of Success: Chappell Roan Diagnosed With Depression
“I have every symptom of someone who’s severely depressed,” Chappell Roan revealed in a recent interview. Despite her rising fame, the pop star was diagnosed with severe depression after seeking psychiatric help.
While her candidness has resonated with many, Roan faces public backlash, highlighting society’s limited understanding of mental health struggles.
The Weight of Fame and Mental Health
Chappell Roan’s rapid rise to stardom has come with overwhelming personal challenges. In her interview with The Guardian, she described the emotional toll fame has taken on her.
“I didn’t think I had [depression] because I’m not actually sad,” Roan shared.
After experiencing symptoms like brain fog, forgetfulness, and an ongoing sense of disconnection, she sought professional help. “I have every symptom of someone who’s severely depressed.”
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The intensity of her fame has brought with it the darker side of celebrity culture, including parasocial relationships that fans often form with public figures.
Many fans feel like they know Roan personally, despite their relationship being one-sided. These blurred boundaries have led to extreme behaviours, including stalking and death threats. Roan recalled incidents where she felt unsafe and was even harassed while performing. She reflected on the constant pressure to meet fans’ expectations while navigating her own boundaries.
“I’m not gonna be a sweetie pie to a man who’s telling me to shut the f**k up,” Roan said after going viral for standing up to a photographer at the VMAs.
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Public Backlash and Misunderstandings of Mental Health
Despite her transparency about her mental health struggles, Roan has faced harsh criticism from some fans. After cancelling festival appearances, she was labelled “unprofessional” and accused of not being able to handle fame. These reactions highlight a troubling gap in society’s understanding of mental health, especially in the context of high-profile individuals.
Roan’s openness about her depression and bipolar II disorder has not shielded her from judgment. In an Instagram post, she shared how “things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks,” but rather than empathy, she was met with backlash.
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This reaction is common in the world of celebrity culture, where the public often expects artists to continuously deliver without faltering. Psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph, speaking to USA Today, explained how the stresses of touring and constant public scrutiny can significantly worsen mental health conditions.
“Being a performer and having a tour is stressful in itself, let alone managing a condition vulnerable to stress,” Joseph explained. In Roan’s case, the pressure to perform while balancing a mental health disorder like bipolar II has made things even harder.
The Pressure to Perform
Bipolar II disorder, which Roan has been open about, involves cycles of intense depression and hypomanic episodes. These fluctuations in mood can be difficult to manage, especially under the demanding lifestyle of a touring artist. As Roan described, her success comes with significant emotional challenges.
“This job is very difficult for me to process and maintain a healthy life and mindset,” she admitted to her fans. Yet, despite her honesty, the backlash continues, with fans often misunderstanding the severity of her mental health issues.
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The public’s criticism of Roan mirrors a larger societal issue—the failure to recognise that mental health conditions need the same attention and care as physical health. For artists like Roan, the expectation to push through the pain, rather than take necessary breaks, only worsens their condition. Roan, however, remains committed to prioritising her well-being, even if it means disappointing some fans.
As Dr. Joseph pointed out, “Stopping is a grieving process for them, but in the long term, they’re going to disappoint people indefinitely if they don’t slow down and take care of themselves.”
Navigating Mental Health While Building a Career
Roan’s mental health journey is far from straightforward. She is determined to protect herself while continuing to grow as an artist. Her openness about seeking therapy and her depression diagnosis is part of her ongoing effort to navigate the pressures of fame. Roan attends therapy twice a week and has shared how these steps maintain her well-being, particularly as her life has transformed overnight.
“I’m in therapy twice a week. I went to a psychiatrist last week because I was like, I don’t know what’s going on,” she shared, highlighting her proactive approach to managing her health.
She is clear that her health comes first, even if this means stepping back from the public eye at times. “I have the power to say no,” she said, expressing how she now feels more comfortable rejecting opportunities that compromise her well-being.
As she moves forward, Roan is taking steps to prioritise her mental health. She plans to take time off, focusing on music in a more balanced way. Roan is considering moving to a quieter city like Seattle, where she hopes to re-centre herself. Although her fans may not always understand the full extent of her struggles, Roan’s decision to prioritise her mental health sets a powerful example.
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