In a recent interview with The New York Times, Shawn Mendes has bravely confronted his drug addiction fears and the challenges he faced during his Wonder World tour in 2022. The Canadian pop star reflected on a particularly difficult period in his life, stating, “The shows I could get through and find beauty in them… But when I would step offstage, I just didn’t recognize myself. I was a shell — like talking to a wall.” This stark revelation highlights the mental health struggles he endured while in the public eye.
During this tumultuous time, Shawn Mendes made the difficult decision to cancel his tour, sharing an emotional statement with fans about his experiences. He explained, “I started this tour excited to finally get back to playing live after a long break due to the pandemic, but the reality is I was not at all ready for how difficult touring would be after this time away.” This admission shows Mendes’ commitment to prioritizing his mental health over the pressures of performing.
In his candid discussion, Mendes opened up about how he began drinking and using drugs before and after shows. It was during this time that he realized he did not want to repeat the mistakes made by other artists in the industry. “I was like, I’m not going to rewrite the same story that’s been written a thousand times by musicians and artists, where they can’t cope and they’d start taking more drugs, more alcohol, until it’s too much. I’m not doing that. I’m just going hard left,” he explained. This determination to break the cycle of addiction is a powerful message for his fans and fellow artists.
Reflecting on his recovery journey, Shawn Mendes emphasized the importance of therapy and self-care. He told, “I’m taking a lot of time just doing therapy, just taking it easy, man.” He also shared how spending time with family and friends has been essential for his well-being, stating, “It’s just about spending time doing things I haven’t really done over the last few years and just having dinners with friends and stuff.” This focus on personal connections and mental health highlights Mendes’ growth and resilience.
As Shawn Mendes prepares for his much-anticipated return to the music scene with a new album set to release next month, fans are eager to see how his experiences have influenced his artistry. Mendes’ honesty about his drug addiction fears and his journey toward recovery serves as an inspiration for many, demonstrating that it’s possible to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger on the other side.
