Shawn Mendes recently opened up about his difficult yet life-changing decision to cancel his 2022 Wonder: The World Tour. During an appearance on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, the 26-year-old musician shared how his struggles with mental health led him to prioritize self-care over career demands, ultimately reshaping his outlook on life.
Battling Depression and Anxiety
Reflecting on his state of mind at the time, Mendes described the emotional turmoil he was facing. He revealed that he had been dealing with feelings of “general darkness or lowness” that made it challenging to appreciate the love and support surrounding him. Despite his successful career and public persona, the musician admitted that his mental health had taken a toll, preventing him from seeing things clearly.
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“I had nowhere to go when things were getting hard,” Mendes shared. He explained that, unlike in the past, he didn’t have other aspects of life to lean on when touring became overwhelming. The relentless pressure, coupled with feelings of isolation, led Mendes to realize that stepping back was the only way to regain balance in his life.
Impact of Canceling the Tour
Mendes’ decision to halt the tour wasn’t made lightly. He acknowledged the consequences of canceling the concerts, knowing it would disappoint fans and affect his entire team, which included nearly a hundred individuals who had worked tirelessly to bring the tour to life. “People were excited; people were proud of what they created,” Mendes said, referring to the dedication of his crew. “That was the hard part.”
Despite the weight of the decision, Mendes ultimately knew that prioritizing his mental health was necessary. After initially postponing several tour dates, he made the tough call to cancel the entire tour just a month after it had started. “It became clear that I needed to take the time I’ve never taken personally, to ground myself and come back stronger,” Mendes wrote in a heartfelt statement at the time.
Finding Clarity and Growth
Looking back, Mendes describes canceling the tour as both the hardest and the greatest decision of his life. He credits the break with giving him the time and space he needed to rediscover himself and rebuild his personal life. “It gave me a life,” Mendes said. “I had the time to discover so much about myself.”
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Since then, Mendes has returned to performing and is preparing for the release of his fourth studio album, Shawn, on October 18.