Lizzo Got ‘Emotionally Honest’ About Her Depression—and the Response Was Powerful
Lizzo’s in the middle of a banner year when it comes to her career. Her songs “Juice” and “Truth Hurts” have quickly become not only songs of summer but anthems of female empowerment and positivity. Her new album, Cuz I Love You, reached number one on iTunes. And she brings so much energy and talent on stage performing that even Rihanna recently gave her a standing ovation.
And through all of these career highlights, Lizzo has been open with fans about every aspect of her life—including her mental health. “I’m depressed and there’s no one I can talk to because there’s nothing anyone can do about it. Life hurts,” she wrote in a recent Instagram post.
“I self-love so hard because everything feels like rejection… it feel like the whole world be ghostin me sometimes,” she continued in the caption. “Sad af today. But this too shall pass. S/O all the messages of love. Thank you.”
That is some powerfully honest vulnerability from one of music’s biggest stars. Messages like that are a reminder that nobody’s life is exactly how it seems on the outside, especially on social media. Fans—both famous and non-famous alike—responded with their own messages of support.
“I hear you- depression is real. Struggle with it all my life. It does pass although while in it, it seems it never will. You are so loved. I love you Lizzo ♥️♥️♥️ @lizzobeeating,” designer Marc Jacobs wrote. “U drag me up everyday … fr . Take your time u carrying a lot of us. We love you ❤️??,” SZA added.
Many commenters thanked Lizzo for being so open. “Openness ends the stigma–thank you. You are not alone, sometimes life feels so hard. But you brighten it for all of us,” one wrote. “I’m recovering from cancer and chemo, and your music, especially dancing to it, lifts me up. You are important and doing so much good. I hope you feel much better soon. ?”
The response on Twitter was just as supportive:
The singer responded with a video in which she delved even further into her own relationship with her mental health and self care. “I know that something incredible is about to happen and something incredible has already happened, and I know that I’m just in between that incredible moment…” she said in a tearful follow-up video. “It’s humbling and I’m grateful that I’m able to feel these emotions, because I know that because of the sadness, I’m gonna be able to feel joy.”
In the caption, she reiterated what a positive experience speaking out has been for her while also asking her followers what triggers their sadness and how they handle it. “I learned in the last 24hrs that being emotionally honest can save your life,” she said. “Reaching out may be hard but as soon as I did it, I was immediately covered in love.”