Canadian pop star Justin Bieber has reflected on his struggle with suicidal thoughts and mental health issues in a new documentary about the singer.
Bieber, who has sold over 150 million records and won numerous awards, reflected on his mental health in new YouTube Originals documentary, Justin Bieber: Next Chapter. The artist spoke openly about contending with suicidal thoughts.
Bieber said of his experience: ‘There were times where I was really, really suicidal. Like, man is this pain ever going to go away?’
‘It was so consistent, the pain was so consistent. I was just suffering. So, I’m just like, man, I would rather not feel this than feel this.’
The star has said that he is in a better place, having been happy for the last eight months he dubbed as ‘a time of growth.’ He now wants to use his platform to encourage others to share and be open about their own battles with mental health.
He continued: ‘I want to be the type of person and leader who tells people, ‘You don’t have to put on a front. You don’t have to act a certain way. Who you are is enough.’
‘I just would encourage people, like, ‘Hey, if you’re feeling lonely, talk about it. Say it out loud.’ There’s a freedom in that. I could have avoided a lot of pain.’
(Picture: Justin Bieber/Instagram)
Bieber goes on to say that prayer and meditation were key to getting to a better place, as well as making and listening to music.
Bieber’s struggle with depression is not news to fans, as he has been open about his recovery from addiction to Xanax since last year. The star previously posted on Instagram about going to therapy, and has praised his wife, Hailey Baldwin for her support.
Earlier this month, Bieber performed his new hit Holy with Chance the Rapper on an episode of Saturday Night Live. In an emotional performance, Bieber was seen kneeled over after the performance, clearly overcome by emotion.
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