How Celebrities like Lewis Capaldi can Support our Mental Health

In a world where perfection is often seen as the norm, it can be difficult to admit when we are struggling. But when someone in the public eye opens up about their mental health, it sends a powerful message; you are not alone. One such figure who has inspired many through his honesty and vulnerability is singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi.

Breaking the Stigma Through Vulnerability

Lewis Capaldi has been refreshingly open about his struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and a diagnosis of Tourette’s Syndrome. Instead of hiding these challenges, he’s chosen to talk about them openly in interviews, documentaries, and on social media. This kind of visibility matters. When a well-known figure shares their mental health journey, it helps to break down the stigma that still surrounds the topic.

His willingness to be vulnerable, even at the height of his fame, makes mental health feel more relatable and less taboo. It reminds us that anxiety and depression don’t discriminate; they can affect anyone, regardless of success, status, or talent.

Normalising the Conversation

When celebrities like Lewis Capaldi speak out, they normalise conversations around mental health. This not only gives others permission to speak up but can also encourage people to seek support. Hearing someone you admire talk about their therapy experiences, their need to take time off, or their personal coping strategies can feel like an invitation to take care of your own wellbeing too.

Lewis’s honesty shows that it’s okay to slow down, to prioritise health over career, and to ask for help when it’s needed. This is a powerful message in today’s fast-paced, achievement-driven society.

The Power of Music, Survive

Lewis Capaldi’s latest single, Survive, is a raw and powerful reflection on emotional pain and resilience. The lyrics explore what it means to hold on when everything feels overwhelming' something many people experiencing mental health struggles can relate to. What makes this song especially inspirational is how it acknowledges the darkness while still clinging to hope.

Survive doesn’t offer easy answers, but it offers something just as valuable; understanding. In a world that often demands we put on a brave face, showing vulnerability through music gives others permission to feel their emotions fully. It reminds us that surviving is, in itself, an act of courage.

By channelling his pain into creativity, Lewis transforms personal hardship into something beautiful and healing—not just for himself, but for those who listen. Songs like Survive can serve as a lifeline, letting people know they are seen, heard, and not alone in their experiences.

Encouraging Self-Compassion

One of the most heartening aspects of Lewis’s journey is the compassion he shows himself. By publicly acknowledging when he needs to rest or take a break, he models a kind of self-care that many people struggle with. For those battling feelings of guilt or weakness when they’re not “pushing through,” this can be incredibly validating.

His humour and humility also play a role. By being his authentic, down-to-earth self, Lewis challenges the idea that we need to have it all together. Instead, he shows that it’s okay to be human; to feel overwhelmed, to have off days, and to share those experiences with others.

Why This Matters in the Therapy Room

As a counsellor, I often see clients who feel ashamed of their mental health challenges, fearing that they’re the only ones struggling. When figures like Lewis Capaldi speak out, it helps to dismantle that isolation. It can make it easier for someone to walk through the therapy door, knowing they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.

Celebrities can’t replace professional support, but they can shine a light on the path towards it. By talking openly and honestly, they help to shift public perception, making it easier for all of us to reach out, speak up, and heal.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply need a space to talk, counselling can help. You don’t have to go through it alone. The earlier you reach out for support the better.