Ed Sheeran, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for hits like Shape of You and Perfect, has opened up about his private struggles with depression, anxiety, and a string of personal tragedies that deeply affected his mental health.
In a heartfelt interview with TIME magazine, Sheeran reflected on the emotional toll that 2022 had on him, calling it one of the hardest years of his life. The 32-year-old artist lost his close friend Jamal Edwards at just 31, learned that his wife Cherry Seaborn had a tumor while pregnant with their second child, and missed his grandmother’s funeral due to a court appearance over a copyright lawsuit.
“One thing I’ve learned about depression is that you don’t take a magic pill and it’s suddenly gone,” Sheeran said.
“It comes in waves—some moments are better than others. The pain softens over time, but you have to allow yourself to feel grief. Don’t bottle it up.”
Sheeran released two albums in 2023, including Autumn Variations, but neither reached the commercial heights of his earlier work. During this period of self-doubt, his longtime friend Sir Elton John stepped in with valuable advice.
“He told me that everyone has ups and downs in their career,” Sheeran explained. “He went through tough patches too, then came back with The Lion King. It reminded me not to define my career based on one moment.”
The Thinking Out Loud singer also revealed during a Tonight Show appearance that he hasn’t used a phone since 2015. The lifestyle change, he says, has helped him stay mentally grounded and more present.
Despite the hardships, Ed Sheeran continues to push forward with honesty and vulnerability, inspiring millions of fans with his openness about mental health.
