Lewis Capaldi Credits Antipsychotic Medication for Life-Changing Mental Health Improvement

Singer Reveals Significant Shift After Struggling with Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Scottish superstar Lewis Capaldi has opened up about his mental health journey, revealing that a switch to antipsychotic medication has profoundly improved his life.

Finding Relief After Difficult Performances

Following a challenging performance at Glastonbury Festival in summer 2023, where fans famously assisted him, Capaldi took a step back from the public eye. He recently returned to the festival and is now embarking on a sold-out UK and Ireland tour.

In a candid interview on Theo Von’s YouTube podcast, “This Past Weekend,” the 28-year-old singer-songwriter discussed the pivotal moments that led to his treatment. He described experiencing “a breakdown of sorts on stage” two years prior.

“It was really scary when they offered it up. I’m not psychotic.”

—Lewis Capaldi

Capaldi explained that initial antidepressant prescriptions left him feeling numb, while discontinuing them resulted in profound low moods. The shift to antipsychotic medication, he stated, marked a significant turning point.

Aripiprazole and Lifestyle Changes Yield Positive Results

He identified his medication as aripiprazole, a drug known for treating conditions such as Tourette’s Syndrome, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. “It’s changed my life,” Capaldi declared. “It’s genuinely been a massive, massive help.”

Alongside medication, Capaldi has embraced other wellness strategies. He has reduced his alcohol intake, adjusted his diet, and increased physical activity, reporting a 28-pound weight loss since January. “My anxiety levels are so low these days,” he shared. “I don’t feel as stressed.”

The singer reflected on the Glastonbury 2023 performance as “the lowest moment of my life,” admitting he had resolved to stop performing after that show. He noted that this decision brought a sense of relief.

Prior to Glastonbury, Capaldi experienced an even more severe episode in Chicago. “I was backstage convulsing and having this crazy panic attack,” he recounted. He believes that challenging moments, like the one at Glastonbury, ultimately facilitated necessary changes.

Mental health conditions can significantly impact daily life and public performance. For instance, in 2022, approximately 1 in 5 U.S. adults experienced mental illness, highlighting the widespread nature of these challenges (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022).