Ariana Grande 'says her depression and anxiety have been at an all-time high’

'I have been giving you all I've got and trying to push through as hard as I can and mask it'

Sabrina Barr
Saturday 31 August 2019 16:47 BST
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(Getty Images)

Ariana Grande has reportedly said that her depression and anxiety have lately been at an "all-time high", explaining that she had to cancel a recent meet and greet after experiencing a bout of panic attacks.

On Friday, the singer was due to meet some fans before a performance in Antwerp, Belgium, as part of her Sweetener world tour.

However, according to HuffPost, Grande revealed on Instagram that she did not feel it would be "wise" to interact with her fans during the planned meet and greet and sound check session prior to the show.

"Hi my loves. Time for some honesty. My anxiety and depression have been at an all-time high lately. I have been giving you all I've got and trying to push through as hard as I can to mask it," the 26-year-old wrote on Instagram, in screenshots shared by the publication.

"Today has been an extra rough one. After a handful of panic attacks, I feel like the wisest decision would be to not do sound check party or m&g [meet and greet] today and preserve my energy for the show."

Grande added that she didn't want to "seem shaky" with her fans or feel the need to rush her time with them.

"I like spending actual time with you and I won't be able to be present or give you the best of me today," the musician stated.

Grande finished her message by saying that anyone would paid to attend the sound check session or meet and greet would be fully reimbursed.

"I love you. I'm so sorry," the multi-Grammy Award-winning artist wrote.

"I'm promise I will absolutely give you the best show I can."

During her performance at Manchester Pride earlier this month, Grande told the audience she felt "overwhelmed" about returning to the city for the first time in two years.

The pop star's 2017 benefit concert, One Love Manchester, raised millions of pounds for those affected by the terror attack which occurred at her concert that same year.

"Manchester holds a very special place in my heart," Grande told her fans at Manchester Pride.

“I'm so happy to be with you, so thank you for having me. Sorry, I'm so nervous. I had so much more to say but I'm really very overwhelmed. Thank you.”

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In April, Grande spoke out about depression on social media, days after stating that she does not believe going on tour is beneficial for her mental health.

The singer shared a Jim Carrey quote about depression on her Instagram Story, alongside a black-and-white photograph of the actor.

"Depression is your body saying, 'I don't want to be this character anymore. I don't want to hold up this avatar that you've created in the world. It's too much for me'," the quote read.

For confidential support with mental health, you can contact The Samaritans on their free, 24-hour phone support by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.

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