Shawn Mendes is candid about the challenging decision he made to cancel his 2022 “Wonder: The World Tour.” In a recent appearance on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, the 26-year-old singer opened up about the impact of mental health on his life and career, describing the decision as both the “hardest” and “greatest” he has ever made.
Looking back on that turbulent time, Mendes revealed he was experiencing a “general darkness or lowness” tied to depression and anxiety. He admitted that his emotional struggles prevented him from recognizing the love and support surrounding him. “I was viewing my own life through that lens, which kept me from seeing all the people who are loving you and supporting you,” he explained.
Mendes’ rise to fame began when he was a teenager, and throughout his career, he has undertaken numerous tours. However, he noted that the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of this particular tour felt distinctly different. “I had nowhere to go when things were getting hard, you know? I didn’t have other aspects of life that I felt connected to,” he said. This realization prompted him to consider a different approach to his well-being. “I knew there was only one way of doing that. It was by just like creating a life.”
The decision to halt the tour was not made lightly. Mendes reflected on the impact it would have on his large team, which consisted of nearly a hundred individuals. “They were away from their families for a year, working every day, not sleeping, and sacrificing everything to put this show on,” he noted. For Mendes, the hardest part was acknowledging the disappointment of those who had invested so much into the tour. “People were excited; people were proud of what they created,” he said. “That was the hard part.”
After initially kicking off the tour in June 2022, Mendes faced challenges that led him to postpone several dates before ultimately canceling the entire trek just a month later. In a heartfelt statement at the time, he emphasized the need to prioritize his mental health. “It has become more clear that I need to take the time I’ve never taken personally, to ground myself and come back stronger,” he wrote.
The impact of this decision was profound for Mendes, as he described it as a transformative experience to Jay Shetty. “Canceling that tour was by far the hardest decision of my life and by far the greatest decision of my life,” he stated. “It gave me time to discover so much about myself.”
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Mendes’s candidness about his mental health struggles resonates with many fans, especially in an industry where the pressures of performance and public scrutiny can be overwhelming. His experience highlights the importance of self-care and the need for artists to take a step back when necessary.
Since taking the time to focus on his mental health, Mendes has re-emerged on the music scene, recently returning to the stage for several performances in support of his upcoming fourth album, Shawn, which is set to be released on October 18. His commitment to addressing his mental health has become a crucial part of his narrative, allowing him to connect with fans on a deeper level.
Mendes’s journey is a reminder of the significance of mental health awareness, particularly in the entertainment industry. As he continues to navigate his career, his openness about personal challenges serves as an inspiration for others facing similar struggles.
As Mendes prepares for the release of his new album, he carries with him the lessons learned during a difficult period in his life. The support of his fans and his renewed sense of purpose will undoubtedly shape his future endeavors, both on and off the stage.
