Ariana Grande says she suffered from PTSD after the Manchester bombing, and we’re listening
In a new interview with British Vogue, Ariana Grande got candid about mental health, revealing that she suffered from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) after the Manchester arena bombing. The bombing occurred just over a year ago on May 22nd, 2017, moments after Grande had exited the stage. Twenty-two innocent people were killed and 59 were injured — many of them children.
In the interview, Grande noted that she felt guilty talking about how the experience affected her when so many people didn’t make it out of the stadium safely.
"It's hard to talk about because so many people have suffered such severe, tremendous loss," she said. "But, yeah, it's a real thing [PTSD]. I know those families and my fans, and everyone there experienced a tremendous amount of it as well. Time is the biggest thing." She continued: "I feel like I shouldn't even be talking about my own experience — I shouldn't even say anything. I don't think I'll ever know how to talk about it and not cry."
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Grande also opened up about her experiences with anxiety: “My anxiety has anxiety…I’ve always had anxiety. I’ve never really spoken about it because I thought everyone had it, but when I got home from tour it was the most severe I think it’s ever been.”
Grande’s words not only bring attention to mental health in general, but also shine a light on another important issue, which is that many who struggle with mental illness feel guilty about it. Guilty for complaining, for not feeling happy when “others have it worse,” or for being a burden on loved ones. It’s yet another part of our often complicated feelings about our mental health, and the associated guilt seldom gets talked about in public.
We’re thanking Grande for her honesty and candor regarding this extremely personal issue. We’re sure it not only resonates with the people of Manchester, but with so many others currently struggling with their mental health.
