Katie Melua Opens Up About Psychotic Breakdown and Continued Music Career
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Singer Katie Melua, known for her soulful voice and multi-platinum debut album ”Call Off The Search” released in 2003, has bravely shared her experience with a psychotic breakdown she endured in her twenties. The breakdown,which landed her in the hospital for six weeks in 2010,caused her to take a hiatus from her thriving music career.
But Melua’s resilience shone through. She returned to the charts with her fifth album in 2012 and released her ninth studio album, “Love & Money”, in 2023. Now 40,the British-Georgian artist expressed her unwavering desire to continue creating music “until I die” in a candid interview on the Origins With Cush Jumbo podcast.
“Oh no, I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to do it,” Melua shared when asked if she ever contemplated quitting music. “I was afraid that, what if for whatever reason I’m not allowed to do it, or I can’t do it? I was worried about that, but thankfully that didn’t happen at all. It was my saviour.”
Melua emphasized her commitment to a lifelong music career, stating: “I really want to make records until the day that I die, honestly.”
Through her experience, Melua learned to recognize early warning signs and prioritize self-care. “I remember one of the therapy tools that I got from hospital was like,take one day at a time,” she revealed.
The birth of her son in 2022 has also been a positive influence, helping her stay focused. Melua has been open about her mental health journey, previously sharing with The Telegraph that while she had never experienced depression before, the demanding schedule of album releases and touring became “crazy” in the months leading up to her breakdown.
According to the NHS, hallucinations, delusions, and confused or disturbed thoughts are hallmark symptoms of a psychotic episode.
Resilience and the Power of Music
Katie Melua’s experience is a testament to the power of resilience and the healing nature of music.Her openness about her struggles with mental health helps destigmatize these issues and inspires hope for others facing similar challenges.
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## Katie Melua: On Resilience,Music,and Finding Her Voice
**[Archyde Interview]**
**Katie Melua**,renowned singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and deeply emotional songs,sits down with us today at Archyde to discuss her astounding journey – both personal and professional.While Melua has captivated audiences worldwide with hits like “Nine Million Bicycles” and “The Closest Thing to Crazy,” she has recently opened up about a period of intense personal challenge, a psychotic breakdown that forced her to confront her mental health.
**Archyde:** Katie, thank you for joining us. Yoru recent candidness about your experience with mental health has resonated with many. Can you tell us a bit about what led to the breakdown and how you navigated that difficult time?
**Katie Melua:** Thank you for having me. It’s important for me to be open about what I went through. The breakdown was a culmination of factors, I think – intense pressure, personal loss, and perhaps an underlying susceptibility I wasn’t aware of. It was a terribly frightening experience, a feeling of losing control of reality. But it also became a turning point.I realised I couldn’t ignore my mental health any longer.
**Archyde:**
You’ve spoken about how music has been both a solace and a source of strength during your recovery. How did music help you through that dark period?
**Katie melua:** Music has always been my refuge, my way of processing emotions. During the breakdown and recovery, it was even more profound. Writing songs became a lifeline, a way to express the turmoil and confusion I was experiencing. It allowed me to find meaning amidst the chaos.
**Archyde:** This resilience shows in your continued success and the release of your latest album.How has your approach to music and songwriting changed since your experience?
**Katie Melua:** While I wouldn’t say my approach has fundamentally changed, there’s a newfound depth and vulnerability in my music now. I’m not afraid to delve into the darker, more complex emotions. This album, in particular, feels like a very personal and honest expression of my journey.
**Archyde:** What message would you like to share with others who might be struggling with similar challenges?
**Katie Melua:** You are not alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to confront these issues, but there is hope and healing to be found. And never underestimate the power of music. It can be a gorgeous companion on the road to recovery.
**Archyde:** Thank you, Katie, for your honesty and courage. Your story is truly inspiring.
