Lizzo shares emotional journey through depression and healing in powerful new essay

Post by : Saif Nasser

American singer and Grammy-winner Lizzo has opened up about one of the darkest phases of her life. In a deeply personal essay posted on Substack, she shared how depression, public scandal, and growing pressure pushed her into a very fragile space. Her story also highlights her slow and steady journey toward healing, acceptance, and emotional strength.

Lizzo explained that she began losing weight in the fall of 2023, not because of fitness goals but because her mental health had collapsed. She wrote that she felt overwhelmed by public criticism and a scandal that made her feel abandoned by the world. According to her, the situation became so painful that she even felt suicidal and cut off her loved ones. These honest words show the loneliness and emotional struggle that many people experience but often hide.

She eventually reached out for professional help. Speaking to therapists helped her understand that her weight had not only been a part of her identity, but also something that brought her comfort and protection. She described it as a “shield” that had helped her survive difficult times. This realisation helped her see herself with more kindness and understand her emotional triggers better.

The scandal she referred to was linked to accusations made by some dancers, who claimed she had participated in sexual harassment and weight-shaming. Lizzo denied these allegations, but the controversy affected her mental state deeply. In earlier years, she said she would have responded by binge-eating, but this time she did not feel drawn to that habit. She also did not worry about gaining weight, which marked a shift in how she handled stress. Instead, she focused on rebuilding her health. By January 2024, she shared that she had lost 16% of her body fat and reduced her BMI by over 10 points.

Lizzo’s healing journey also continued through music. She released her mixtape My Face Hurts From Smiling on June 27, which includes 13 tracks filled with emotion and energy. Her fifth album, Love in Real Life, was completed earlier in the year and includes her singles Still Bad and Love in Real Life. However, she announced in September that the project was on hold as she focused on her personal well-being.

Her essay is a reminder that even successful artists face overwhelming situations. Lizzo’s story encourages people to reach out for help during difficult times, to accept their bodies, and to treat themselves with compassion. It also shows that healing takes time but begins with small steps, honest conversations, and self-acceptance.