Liam “regressed” When he first started Therapy

Former One Direction band member and singer Liam Payne died on 16th October. As per the Media Reports, his death was caused by falling from the third floor of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An Outpour of Grief and Shock has been witnessed by the fans, as the news of Liam’s death surfaced on Media Channels. Celebrities and Stars of the music industry are coming out praising the deceased singer and songwriter stating that he was transparent and humble. He showed affection and care for his former bandmates. 

As a part of the British boy band One Direction from 2010 to 2015, Liam and his band members sold around 70 million records to almost every country. As Mark Savage, a music correspondent, opens up in the BBC interview,  “He was a more approachable member, sincere and down to earth.” But like many artists, he also suffered the wrath of criticism and media attention at a very young age.

Liam’s Mental Health Challenges

“When you’re doing hundreds and hundreds of [concerts] and it’s the same 22 songs at the same time every single day, even if you’re not happy, you’ve got to go out there,” Payne told Men’s Health Australia in 2019. He said he often drank before going on stage to manage the stress.

“It’s almost like putting the Disney costume on before you step up on stage and underneath the Disney costume I was pissed quite a lot of the time because there was no other way to get your head around what was going on,” he said. “I mean, it was fun. We had an absolute blast, but there were certain parts of it where it just got a little bit toxic.” Liam Payne has been open about his struggles and growth in recent interviews, particularly during his appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast, where he discussed various aspects of his life, including addiction, mental health, and relationships.

Payne revealed that, as much as he enjoyed his time in One Direction, it was incredibly challenging. He battled alcoholism during that period, referring to it as his “pills and booze phase.” He attributes much of his struggles to the intense scrutiny and isolation that came with being in such a globally famous band at a young age, noting that he was only 16 at the time.

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In the interview, Payne also acknowledged how his behaviour and struggles with addiction deeply affected his relationships, something he continues to reflect on as part of his journey toward self-awareness and recovery. He shared a piece of advice that has helped him, saying “It’s not what you do, it’s what happened to you,” a perspective he now embraces when looking back at his past.

Read More: Addiction Reconceptualized

After hitting rock bottom, Payne sought professional help, including spending 100 days in rehab at the end of 2022. This experience was transformative for him, as he embraced sobriety and began the process of getting to know himself without substances. He also recognized the importance of therapy, despite initially resisting it, admitting that he “regressed” when he first started as mentioned on the podcast of ‘The Diary of a CEO’. However, he later realized how valuable it could be, even mentioning that therapy is still seen as a taboo in many communities.

In terms of support, Payne said his manager is one of his best friends, and he draws strength from being a father to his son. He has also opened up about how media scrutiny has affected him over the years, though he now feels better equipped to handle it.

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Creatively, Payne has also ventured into new areas depicting his mental health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while grappling with mental health challenges, he started developing a character inspired by the frustration he was feeling. This led to the launch of an NFT project called Lonely Bug, where he collaborated with celebrities like Zedd, SillyGabe, and Gary Vee. The design of the Lonely Bug represents his feelings during lockdown: a character “almost like a fly who’s stuck underneath a beer glass and wants to escape but can’t.” According to Payne, this feeling of entrapment resonated with many during the pandemic, and it became the inspiration for his creative project.

Read More: How Celebrities are Shaping the Global Mental Health Dialogue

Conclusion

Liam Payne’s experience with fame and the mental health challenges that come with it serves as a powerful reminder of the need to prioritize mental well-being. His honest conversations about anxiety and substance abuse reveal that even those who seem successful can face deep struggles. Key Lessons on Mental Health:

Acknowledgement of Struggles: Recognizing and admitting to mental health issues is the first step toward healing. Payne’s openness about his battles inspires others to seek help instead of suffering in silence.

The Impact of Fame: The pressures of public life can worsen mental health issues. It’s important to realize that fame doesn’t protect individuals from emotional pain; in fact, it can heighten feelings of isolation and anxiety.

Seeking Support: Having a support network is crucial. Payne has credited his friends and family for their support during his recovery, highlighting that reaching out for help can significantly aid in overcoming personal challenges.

Breaking Stigmas: Engaging in open discussions about mental health can help break down the stigma associated with it. By sharing his experiences, Payne has contributed to a larger conversation that encourages others to seek help without fear of being judged.

Self-Care and Recovery: Prioritizing self-care, as shown by Payne’s time in rehab, is vital for anyone dealing with mental health issues. Taking a step back from pressures to focus on personal well-being can lead to meaningful change.

Liam Payne’s legacy serves as a reminder that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. His story encourages people to openly discuss their struggles, seek help, and promote a culture of understanding and support within all communities.