Shawn Mendes has opened up about his ongoing mental health journey, sharing valuable insights on how he has learned to cope with anxiety and embrace the “lows of life.” The “Mercy” singer took to Instagram on January 2 to reflect on the challenges he faced in 2023 and how he has grown from them.
In his heartfelt post, the 25-year-old revealed that the past year has taught him the importance of accepting life’s ups and downs. “The biggest lesson for me this year has been to accept and welcome the lows of life,” Shawn wrote. “Not to constantly need to change or fix something in order to feel high again, because I know if I really slow down and listen when I’m low, there’s always something to hear.”
Music has been a key outlet for Shawn in processing his emotions. He shared that during moments of extreme anxiety or fear, he found solace in playing his harmonium, allowing himself to sing freely without worrying about perfection. “If I sat down with my harmonium and allowed myself with full trust to sing whatever came out, it would often ease the pain,” he explained.
This practice not only helped him manage his anxiety but also allowed him to embrace his imperfections. Over time, Shawn said he learned to appreciate both the “right” and “wrong” notes. “I realized there were only moments of bliss and euphoria from the ‘right’ notes because of the ‘wrong’ notes. The only reason I can sing in key is because I’ve learned to listen.”
Shawn, who last released his album Wonder in 2020, had to cancel his Wonder World Tour in July 2022 due to mental health concerns. However, his candid reflections show how much he’s grown in his journey toward self-acceptance.
He accompanied his message with a black-and-white video of himself playing the keyboard and singing raw vocals, showing his fans a vulnerable side of him as he rang in the new year. This openness resonates deeply with his followers, who admire his transparency and strength in dealing with mental health challenges.
As he continues to grow, Shawn Mendes remains a powerful voice for self-acceptance and mental health awareness.
