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Bruce Springsteen Overcomes Stigma, Seeks Psychiatric Help for Mental Health
22 Oct
Summary
- Springsteen, 76, was "embarrassed" to see a psychiatrist in the past
- Mental illness ran in his family, but no one got help or medication
- Springsteen's manager helped him get the support he needed
In a recent interview, legendary musician Bruce Springsteen, now 76 years old, has candidly discussed his past struggles with mental health and the stigma he faced in seeking professional help.
Springsteen revealed that mental illness was prevalent in his family, with aunts and cousins who were "very ill." However, he said that "no one got any help whatsoever" and that "there was no medication" or "interactions with any psychological help." As a result, Springsteen and his loved ones were forced to "just suffer through it."
When Springsteen himself experienced what he described as his "first breakdown," he was "totally embarrassed" and would "almost disguise" himself before going to his psychiatrist's office, wearing a baseball hat and glasses and "sneaking in as fast as I can." It took him years to feel comfortable and confident about seeking the help he needed.
Fortunately, Springsteen's manager, Jon Landau, played a crucial role in connecting him with the right resources to address his mental health challenges. Landau, who is portrayed in the upcoming biopic "Deliver Me from Nowhere," had experience in this area and helped Springsteen get the support he required.
Today, Springsteen acknowledges that seeking psychiatric help has been "a big part" of his life for the past half of his life. His openness about his mental health journey aims to destigmatize the topic and encourage others who may be struggling to seek the assistance they need.
