Photo Credit: Getty Images
Shawn Mendes recently opened up about feeling more comfortable and at peace with himself as he grows older. In an October 14 interview with Interview magazine, Mendes sat down with John Mayer to discuss his new album Shawn, his recent hiatus, and how he's feeling "better" in his own skin.
At 25, Mendes feels this album has helped him reconnect with his true self. "It's already given me more than any of my albums, and I haven't even shared it yet," he shared, explaining that working on the project allowed him to find humor and lightness within himself. "I'm not waking up every day trying to be 'Shawn'—I'm just waking up as me," he explained.
When Mayer asked if self-discovery is a permanent state, Mendes admitted, "I'm always willing to let parts of myself go." He credited therapy with helping him let go of some intensity. "Because of therapy, I feel I'm not as extreme anymore," he said, adding that he's learned to take himself less seriously, which has been essential to his newfound sense of ease.
The pair also talked about aging and the natural progression of life. Mendes shared that he's become more reflective after past experiences, particularly breakups, saying, "After your first breakup, you feel like you have all the answers." (Mendes and Camila Cabello, his former long-term girlfriend, ended their relationship for good in 2023 after a brief reconciliation.)
Looking back, Mendes said that if asked what has contributed most to his improved sense of self, he'd point to therapy and his ability to laugh at himself. Mayer, acknowledging Mendes's sensitivity, noted that while his reactions might seem intense, they're part of the journey of growing older and finding himself. "You didn't make a wrong turn," Mayer reassured him.
Mayer concluded by expressing his excitement about Mendes turning these experiences into music, hinting at the therapeutic value of his creative process. Mendes's openness about growth, therapy, and self-discovery offers a glimpse into how he's becoming more comfortable in his own skin and ready to share this new version of himself with the world.
