TL;DR
- Will Young reveals he was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder.
- He experienced years of dissociation due to trauma.
- Young discusses the impact of a difficult breakup.
- A loving relationship has aided his recovery.
- He reflects on his journey and survival.
In a candid and eye-opening interview, Will Young, the beloved pop icon who first captured our hearts on Pop Idol, has opened up about his mental health struggles, revealing a shocking misdiagnosis that left him grappling with the realities of trauma and dissociation. Speaking on the podcast On The Mend with Matt Willis, the 47-year-old singer-songwriter recounted a tumultuous period in his life that began during his stint in the West End revival of Cabaret.
“I just had a breakdown, and I did this experimental course which I won’t name as I don’t want anyone to do it as I don’t think it’s very good, it was a bit dangerous,” Young shared, reflecting on the chaotic moments that led to his emotional unraveling. He candidly admitted to director Rufus Norris, “Rufus, I don’t want to panic you but I am having an emotional breakdown,” while assuring him, “I think I will make it through.” Little did he know, the road to recovery would be long and fraught with challenges.
Young described his experience of dissociation as a protective mechanism during this dark time. “I just left my body and suddenly I couldn’t recognise my face in the mirror,” he recalled. “It was horrific and I felt like a walking ghost.” This disconnection from reality was compounded by a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder, which he later clarified: “I was completely misdiagnosed as bipolar and I wasn’t bipolar – I had trauma.”
For years, Young felt as if he was merely existing, not truly living. “For the last 14 years I haven’t really been living if I am honest, I actually don’t know how I’m still here, I really don’t,” he said, reflecting on the toll that trauma and misdiagnosis took on his life. Yet, amidst the chaos, there has been a glimmer of hope. Young revealed that being in a happy and loving relationship has played a crucial role in his journey to recovery, providing him with the support and stability he desperately needed.
As an openly gay man and a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, Young’s story resonates deeply with many who face similar struggles. His willingness to share his experience not only sheds light on the complexities of mental health but also emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion in the face of trauma.
Young’s journey is a testament to resilience, and his story serves as a reminder that healing is possible, even in the most challenging of circumstances. As he continues to navigate his path, his openness about his struggles may inspire others to seek help and find their own way to recovery. After all, in the words of Young himself, “I think I will make it through.”