Liam Payne Opens Up About His Mental Health Struggles Throughout His Career
Trigger Warning: This article contains references to suicide and substance abuse.
Former One Direction star Liam Payne, who passed away at the age of 31 on October 16, 2024, had been candid about his mental health struggles throughout his life. Payne, who tragically died after falling from a third-floor balcony in a Buenos Aires hotel, had consistently spoken about the pressures of fame and the impact it had on his mental and emotional well-being.
The specific cause of his death has not yet been disclosed. In various interviews, Payne openly discussed his challenges, from his early days in One Direction to his personal battles with anxiety, agoraphobia, and addiction.
In a 2017 interview with The Sun, Payne likened performing in One Direction to donning a costume and acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining a positive outlook.
“People don’t often see what’s happening beneath the surface,” he remarked. He also recounted a canceled 2015 Belfast concert, admitting that he was struggling during that period. “I was going through a rough time, and I let it affect me more than it should have,” he admitted.
Fans were saddened by One Direction’s breakup in 2016, but Liam Payne agreed that it was necessary for the band’s well-being. “I’m a completely different person now compared to how I used to feel about it,” he noted, acknowledging that the group failed to appreciate their successes, adding to their stress.
In a 2019 interview with Esquire Middle East, Payne revealed his ongoing battle with agoraphobia, making it challenging for him to leave his home at times. He confessed to fearing even simple activities like going to the coffee shop.
Later that year, in an interview with Men’s Health Australia, Payne opened up further about his mental health struggles. He described the pressure of performing the same songs every night as putting on a disguise, concealing his inner turmoil.
During a November 2019 appearance on Straight Talk with Ant Middleton, Payne equated fame to a surreal midlife crisis, revealing how the pressures and loneliness nearly led to his demise multiple times.
“There were moments when the loneliness and constant scrutiny almost got the best of me,” he shared. Payne expressed his gratitude to those who supported him during those challenging periods.
In 2021, Payne candidly addressed his struggles with substance abuse and suicidal thoughts during his time with One Direction on the Diary of a CEO podcast. He admitted to fearing how low his rock bottom could go and acknowledged the challenges of concealing his issues from others.
At the time of the interview, he had been sober for a month and credited his friends and former bandmate Harry Styles for checking in on him during his darkest moments.
Later that year, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Payne told Glamour that his mental health was an ongoing journey and that the pandemic exacerbated his issues. He described the struggle to relax and the constant need to be productive.
In a July 2023 YouTube video, Payne revealed his completion of a 100-day recovery program and his six months of sobriety. He thanked his ex, Cheryl Cole, and their son, Bear, for giving him the space to seek help.
He emphasized the importance of being in a good place mentally before attempting to be a father, noting that before his recovery, he had nothing to offer his son aside from his profound love.
Disclaimer: If you know someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, or a severe mental illness, please seek immediate help from a doctor, mental health professional, or NGO. There are numerous helplines available for assistance.
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