Chappell Roan Reveals Recent Diagnosis of Severe Depression After Rapid Rise to Fame

Singer Chappell Roan has revealed her recent diagnosis of severe depression during her meteoric rise in the music industry.

In an interview with the Guardian, the 26-year-old “Pink Pony Club” artist shared, “I went to a psychiatrist last week because I was like, I don’t know what’s happening.

“Good Luck, Babe!” hitmaker Chappell Roan, pictured performing at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in June, revealed she was diagnosed with severe depression. WireImage

She diagnosed me with severe depression – which I didn’t think I had because I’m not sad.” Despite not feeling sorry, she acknowledged experiencing every symptom associated with severe depression, including brain fog, poor focus, and a “very lacklustre viewpoint.”

Roan told the Guardian in an interview published Friday that she was surprised to get the diagnosis because she doesn’t feel “actually sad.” WireImage

Roan theorised that her struggles stem from her rapid transformation from an underground pop star to a global sensation over the past year.

“Everything that I love to do now comes with baggage,” she explained, emphasising the challenges of maintaining her daily activities while navigating fame. Simple outings, such as thrifting or going to the park, now require security measures to ensure her safety.

Roan revealed her symptoms include poor focus, brain fog, forgetfulness and “a very lacklustre viewpoint.” FilmMagic

Throughout her rise, Roan has candidly discussed the pressures of fame. At a concert in June, she admitted to fans that she was “having a tough time” keeping up with her newfound popularity. In August, she expressed frustration with aggressive fans who expect constant access to her, stating in a TikTok video,

The musician said her swift rise to fame likely caused her depression because her life has changed so much. FilmMagic

“I don’t care that abuse and harassment, stalking, whatever, is a normal thing to do to famous people… I don’t want whatever the f–k you think you’re supposed to be entitled to whenever you see a celebrity.”

“If I want to go thrifting, I have to book security and prepare myself that this is not going to be normal,” she explained. Richard Isaac/Shutterstock

After winning Best New Artist at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Roan confronted disrespectful photographers on the red carpet, asserting her demand for respect. “I’m very turned off by the celebrity of it all,” she reflected, clarifying that her complaints were not about her success but rather the abuse that comes with it.

The “Pinky Pony Club” singer has been open with fans about her struggles with fame this year. Richard Isaac/Shutterstock

In a recent interview with the Face, Roan likened the challenges of fame to an abusive relationship, stating, “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.”

During a concert in June, she admitted she was having a “tough time” keeping up with the demands of fame. Getty Images for MTV

In August, she went viral for clapping back at an aggressive photographer on the MTV Video Music Awards carpet. Getty Images for MTV

Roan also defended herself against “entitled” fans on TikTok this summer. Getty Images for MTV

“I don’t give a f–k if you think it’s selfish of me to say no for a photo, your time, or a hug,” she frankly noted. Getty Images

“I’m very turned off by the celebrity of it all,” Roan told the Guardian. Richard Isaac/Shutterstock

She also clarified that she was not complaining about her success but “complaining about being abused.” Getty Images

Having signed with Atlantic Records at 17, Roan has tirelessly worked to establish her music career. Her breakthrough came with the release of her first full album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” and her subsequent opening act for Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts” world tour, which catapulted her into the spotlight.

Dan Olczak

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