Katie Melua was convinced family were ‘going to be killed’ during psychotic breakdown

As she prepares to perform once more, Katie Melua has openly admitted to having an a psychotic breakdown. After struggling with mental health in her 20s, the singer, 40, admitted she had feared for her music career. In 2010, she was forced to take a break from her music career after spending six weeks in the hospital.

The artist, who has released nine albums, has revealed she is in a good place and is hoping to de-stigmatise the stigma surrounding mental health issues by speaking out about her past struggles. The singer from Closest Thing to Crazy opened up about her feelings for the Mirror during her open conversation. She continued, “At the time, it was like, you know, and this is going to sound a little cartoonish, but it felt like living through an apocalypse.” actually experiencing a famine.

I didn’t really understand what was happening because I had no idea what was happening because I had no idea about the world around me before that and no one in my family knew about it.

She explained that at the time, she felt as though she was “about to get killed” despite not hallucinate. She claimed that there was acute paranoia. It sounded like my loved ones were about to die, like there was a psychotic state. And it felt a little like dying, but when I recovered, it felt like I had a second chance. Even the worst part of it is beyond me. The most amazing, inspiring, and kind of life-giving thing was to return from something like that. I appreciate having that perspective.

She described how it felt when her breakdown first occurred and how she had been having trouble driving all the time. Katie added that the pressures at her job were ineffective. She claimed that the diary was insane. There was a lot of travel there.

“I was probably exhibiting signs of stress and weariness.” And then, I suppose, a few events that ultimately triggered it. Katie revealed that her friend, a close friend, committed suicide. She also felt the need to halt the therapy sessions that had been ongoing for a year. Katie claimed she stopped because she had become “quite addicted” to the hypnotherapy treatment. The musician continued, “And also in the years leading up to it, I had sort of gotten a little distant from my family because I was so preoccupied with my work.” Because we are Georgians, I had also grown up in a very loving and big family.

It was a cross between all of those, “likely.” Then, one summer, it was simply too much. And then there’s the other really significant trigger, which involved three sleepless nights. So yeah, suddenly being extremely strong and highly wired, and suddenly not being able to sleep.

Katie continued, revealing painfully paranoid states where she was unable to stop her thoughts from eroding in a spiral of contempt. And then something else would make me think [would start to happen] and I’d sort of calm myself down and act normal.

The single mother-of-one acknowledged that starting a family was one of her most important decisions. Katie gave birth to Sandro in 2022. She explained that having the ability to “de-ego” “herself” was another key factor in her mental health improvement. I guess my work stress was resolved because I was just overly serious with everything. I’m only allowing my sensitivity to sort of consume me right now.

It simply put everything in perspective since then, according to the author. Because I simply thought that my health and the ability to piece together sentences and walk and talk are what matter the most. These are the priorities.

In terms of all-consuming, “So the career kind of went down the … In Winter, a song made with the Gori Women’s Choir out in Georgia, was the record that really helped me heal after a few years. I co-produced the first album, which really helped me recover. And then I suddenly, I’m not sure, I was ready to start a family, and it’s still wonderful to work. It’s amazing to take a great band out on the road and perform these songs live on stage.

She acknowledged that after her recovery, she was afraid and grateful, and that it is crucial for those who are struggling to understand how to talk about their issues. I was extremely afraid of going through that while also being grateful that I had been through it even though I had no idea about it until after I recovered from it. Therefore, I believe it is crucial to discuss it. I made it through it, you see, touch wood, or I’d hate to go through it. It’s incredibly frightful.

“But I do believe we must be open about it if you’re lucky enough to survive.” Although I believe it’s difficult to offer advice, I believe it’s beneficial to talk about it and acknowledge your fears and concerns. However, one of the methods for mental health is talking about it.

Katie, who is currently gearing up to play in various European countries, spoke to the Mirror ahead of the 2025 Cheltenham Jazz Festival, which will take place between April 30 and May 5, 2025. A stellar lineup that includes Corinne Bailey Rae, Macy Gray, and Lulu is also being added to her.

Katie first participated in the event in 2019, and she said she was “drawn to it.” Katie exclaimed that “Cheltenham has a heritage.” “I am aware that jazz has recently experienced such a remarkable revival in the UK.”

She continued, “It’s exciting to be a part of it.” Cheltenham is a good place to be with the times and, you know, have this amazing lineup.

*You can reach a trained mental health counselor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org if you are having trouble with it. uk

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Source: Mirror