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Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi has revealed that antipsychotic medication has significantly improved his mental health, describing it as a life-changing intervention following his 2023 public breakdown at Glastonbury Festival.
Capaldi, 28, opened up during a candid conversation with comedian Theo Von on the This Past Weekend podcast, recounting how he experienced a severe anxiety attack on stage at Glastonbury, forcing him to step back from public life. His fans, in a touching show of solidarity, helped him complete the performance of his hit single Someone You Loved, a moment Capaldi now calls the lowest of his life.
After trying antidepressants that left him feeling numb and then extremely low upon withdrawal, Capaldi was prescribed aripiprazole, an antipsychotic often used for conditions such as Tourette's Syndrome and bipolar disorder. Initially apprehensive about the label associated with the medication, Capaldi confessed he questioned the prescription, thinking, "I'm not psychotic." Despite this, the effects have been profound. "It's changed my life. It's genuinely been a massive, massive help," he said.
Since January, Capaldi has also made significant lifestyle changes, including reducing alcohol consumption, changing his diet, committing to regular exercise, and undergoing therapy. These efforts have resulted in a 28-pound weight loss and dramatically reduced anxiety levels. "I don't feel as stressed," he said, suggesting it could be the result of both the medication and his holistic approach to health.
Capaldi is now preparing to return to the stage, having recently made a surprise appearance at this year's Glastonbury Festival and announcing a sold-out UK and Ireland tour this September. He will also perform across Australia and New Zealand in the coming months.
He also spoke of a similarly frightening episode in Chicago weeks before Glastonbury, where he was unable to finish a performance and suffered severe convulsions from a panic attack backstage.
Despite these traumatic experiences, Capaldi views them as pivotal. "In a weird way, it's probably the best thing that's ever happened to me," he reflected. "I wouldn't have stopped otherwise." His openness and vulnerability have resonated with fans worldwide, positioning him not just as a music icon but as a powerful voice in mental health awareness and recovery.
