Capaldi says therapy played 'massive part' in comeback

Lewis Capaldi, the well-known singer behind hits like 'Someone You Loved' and 'Forget Me,' recently made a powerful return to the stage at Glastonbury, one of the world’s most famous music festivals. His 35-minute surprise set on the Pyramid stage was especially meaningful because, two years earlier, he had been forced to stop his performance there due to the symptoms of Tourette syndrome. This condition made it hard for him to control his movements and speech, and the experience was so difficult that he decided to take a break from touring. Fans were thrilled to see him back this year, and his emotional performance was a highlight of the festival.

In a recent conversation with a close friend, which was shared to celebrate his new partnership with the online therapy platform BetterHelp, Capaldi opened up about how therapy played a huge role in his comeback. He described his 2023 Glastonbury experience as the worst moment of his life, saying he felt overwhelmed and anxious, unable to enjoy the moment. He admitted that he was not living in the present and was always expecting the worst to happen. At that time, he thought he might never perform again. However, therapy helped him work through his feelings and gave him the tools to return to music. To give back, Capaldi and BetterHelp are offering 734,000 free hours of therapy, which represents 1,000 hours for every day since his last performance before this year’s Glastonbury.

Capaldi also talked about his personal journey with therapy. He admitted that, at first, he was not honest with his therapist and would say what he thought they wanted to hear. Over time, he realized that being open and facing difficult emotions was necessary for real progress. He said therapy is not always enjoyable, but it is worth it because it helps him feel better and stay healthy. Capaldi believes that different therapists work for different people, and it is important to keep trying until you find the right fit. He also accepted that he will always have some anxiety, but now he knows how to manage it. Before Glastonbury, he did secret warm-up shows in Scotland to prepare himself, and he was moved to tears by how much he missed performing. During his Glastonbury set, he performed his new song 'Survive,' which has since reached number one on the singles chart. Capaldi’s story is a reminder of the importance of mental health and the power of asking for help.