Katie Melua Discusses ‘Subtle Warning Signs’ Following Acute Psychotic Break Related to the Music Industry and Touring

Katie Melua’s Experience with Mental Health

Katie Melua has opened up about experiencing an acute psychotic break early in her career, attributing it to the pressures of the music industry and the demands of touring.

• READ MORE: The 'pressure cooker' impact of touring on mental health 'needs to be addressed' but help is at hand

In a recent appearance on the Origin with Cush Jumbo podcast, the 40-year-old singer-songwriter shared, “I had what’s called an acute psychotic break and it was crazy. Suddenly this lifestyle: three flights a week, flying from Australia, Japan to America, and then let's set a new record. Let's write new songs. Let's find a group for this. Make sure you look good for it.”

“Visualization, style and all that. And then, you know, go on tour, repeat, repeat, repeat.”

Jumbo, an actress and writer, responded by discussing her struggle with postpartum depression, stating that she “had to get back into acting so quickly” after the birth of her son. “It’s unsustainable in many ways,” she noted.

“Still, there are so many people around you, but on the other hand, you are in a bubble because you are the only person having this experience.”

Melua added, “Well, yes. The experience of finally getting on stage and performing… I loved my crew, I loved the crew, the band, the makeup artist, the stylist, everyone, you know, working in management. Yeah.”

When asked if she took a career break at that point, the singer responded, “Oh, I had to. I was hospitalized for six weeks.”

She elaborated, “(I) had to take medication. I had a really great doctor taking care of me and my family was absolutely amazing because from the age of 19 to 26 they hardly saw me because I was so busy at work. And suddenly, at 26 years old, their child, whom they had seemingly allowed to leave the nest, now returned with a broken mind. (It) was a bit of a shock to them.”

Melua acknowledged that “of course it was the music industry” that contributed to her mental health challenges. “CD sales were growing and doing well, but there was a crash in 2008 and then streaming came along. So that impacted… everything changed completely.”

The conversation then shifted to her recovery and whether she considered stepping away from music entirely.

“Oh no, I was afraid I couldn’t do it,” she admitted. “I was afraid that if for some reason I wouldn’t be allowed to do it, or I wouldn’t be able to do it. I was worried about this, but fortunately it didn't happen. This was my savior.”

Regarding her current self-care practices, Melua shared: “I think it's all about the people you surround yourself with and knowing yourself and knowing what the little warning signs might be. That’s why I value my sleep very much – it’s so important.”

She highlighted the significance of “hydration,” “talking,” and even “cuddling—silly example, I know.”

“I remember one of the therapeutic tools I received in the hospital was, ‘Take it one day at a time,’” Melua reflected. “And I really like it because I think I can really get creative and think about future records that I'm going to make. But no, what’s in front of me today, and just… take one step towards it.”

Melua mentioned that her child helps her remain present: “Even though I feel like… we'll be on the playground and he'll go down the slide and I'll be like, 'Oh, this could be a good inspiration.' like stage design.” She then reminded herself, “Stop thinking about work, you’re here with your two-year-old son—I have to be there.” So she continually tells herself to stay truly in the moment.

Having released her ninth and latest album, Love & Money, in 2023, Melua expressed her desire to continue producing music indefinitely: “I really want to put out records until the day I die, to be honest.” The entire podcast is available to listen to on Spotify.

Mental Health Awareness in the Music Industry

Last October, the music industry addressed the “dangerous” repercussions touring can have on musicians and offered resources and advice in honor of World Mental Health Day.

Artists like Lewis Capaldi, Sam Fender, Shawn Mendes, Wet Leg, and The Last Dinner Party have recently canceled performances due to mental health struggles.

The Last Dinner Party highlighted that “emotional, mental (and) physical burnout” prompted them to cancel some European tour dates. They stated, “Going beyond the breaking point is not a fair or wise decision for anyone.”

Editorial guitarist Justin Lockey, who missed his band's summer 2022 shows due to “battles with anxiety,” spoke with NME last year regarding his experience and the steps he’s taken to improve his lifestyle.

“It's such a cliché, but you can see why so many bands over the centuries have resorted to drink and drugs – because there's nothing else to do and it's really accessible,” he noted, emphasizing that such behaviors can be devastating for anxiety and mental health.

A new petition initiated in October calls for legislation to safeguard the mental well-being of artists in the music industry following the tragic death of Liam Payne at the age of 31.

Earlier this year, Adam Ficek, a solo artist, Babyshambles drummer, and psychotherapist, shared insights with NME about how “musicians continue to fall through the cracks of formal, structured support systems.”

In December 2023, Help Musicians charity reported a significant increase in demand for their mental health services in the past two years.

For help and advice on mental health issues:

• CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably
• Help Musicians UK – 24/7 mental health support and advice for musicians. (CALL MUSIC MINDS MATTER: 0808 802 8008)
• Music support organization – help and support for musicians struggling with alcoholism, addiction or mental health problems. (CALL: 0800 030 6789)
• YOUNG MINDS – A voice for the health and wellbeing of young people
• Time for a change: let's end discrimination in mental health
• Samaritans – Confidential support 24 hours a day