Katie Melua has opened up about suffering a breakdown earlier in her career.
The singer revealed that she suffered an acute psychotic breakdown earlier in her career, which she put down to the pressures of the music industry and touring.
Melua spoke about this while appearing on the Origins With Cush Jumbo podcast, where she went on to add that she was hospitalised for six weeks.
“I had what is called an acute psychotic breakdown and it was crazy. Suddenly that lifestyle of three flights a week, flying from Australia, Japan to America and then let’s make a new record. Let’s write new songs. Let’s find the band for it. Make sure you look good for it", she said. “The visuals, the styling, all of that. And then, you know, go on tour, repeat, repeat, repeat".
The podcast host Jumbo who is also an actor and singer, shared her own experiences of post-natal depression, which she claimed happened: “because [she] had to go back to film so quickly” after her son was born. “In many ways, it’s unsustainable".
She added: “Yet you’ve got all these people around you, but in another way you’re in a bubble because you’re the only person going through this experience".
At this point, Melua replied: “Well, yeah. The experience of finally going out on stage and performing… I loved my team, I loved the crew, the band, the makeup lady, the stylist, you know, everyone, you know, working for management. Yeah".
When asked if she took a break following this breakdown, Katie Melua replied: “Oh, I had to. I was hospitalised for six weeks".
“[I] had to go on medication. I had a really great doctor looking after me, and then my family were incredible because […] from the age of 19 to 26, they kind of didn’t really see me a lot because I was just so busy with work. And then suddenly at 26, their kid who they sort of allowed to leave the nest is now back with a broken mind. [It] was a bit of a shock to them".
Melua went on to add: “of course it was also the music industry”, which led to her breakdown.
“The CD sales had been booming and doing well, and the 2008 crash happened and then streaming came out. So that affected the… everything completely changed", she explained.
On whether she wanted to step away from music at all, Melua said: “Oh no, I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to do it,” she responded. “I was afraid that, what if for whatever reason I’m not allowed to do it, or I can’t do it. I was worried about that, but thankfully that didn’t happen at all. It was my saviour".
On her current mental state, Katie Melua revealed: “I think it’s all about the people you surround yourself with, and also knowing yourself and knowing what the kind of small warning signs might be. So I really treasure my sleep – so important".
The 'Nine Million Bicycles' singer also emphasised the importance of “hydration”, “talking” and “hugging – I know, a silly example”.
“I remember one of the therapy tools that I got from hospital was like, ‘Take one day at a time’,” Melua added. “And I really like that because I think I can kind of really fantasise and go off and the future records that I’m going to make. But, no, what is in front of me today and just sort of… take one step towards that".
Melua also insisted that her child helped her in this difficult time.
“I remember one of the therapy tools that I got from hospital was like, ‘Take one day at a time’,” Melua said. “And I really like that because I think I can kind of really fantasise and go off and the future records that I’m going to make. But, no, what is in front of me today and just sort of… take one step towards that".
Looking ahead, Katie Melua said that she “really want[s] to make records until the day I die, honestly”. Her latest album, 'Love & Mercy', arrived last year.
Her 2005 single, 'Nine Million Bicycles', reached the top 5 in the Official UK Singles Chart.
