by Staff writer
He has won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and produced chart-topping singles, but despite his worldwide success, life is all but stress-free for British singer and songwriter Sam Smith who recently opened up about his battle with severe anxiety.
“I get massive anxiety. I really struggle. I was so nervous at the Grammys this year,” Sam Smith told The Sun.
“I thought I would be more in control of my body and emotions but I get so nervous, to the point I’m almost having panic attacks.
“Sometimes I need people who I love around me to tell me, ‘Pull yourself together, you’re being a drama queen – it’s too much now, Sam, so rein it in.'”
The star also revealed how his anxiety almost ruined his performance at the Grammys.
Sam is currently performing a string of shows as part of his tour in support of his second studio album, The Thrill of It All.
“The other night – the opening night, at Sheffield – I was shaking,” the 25-year-old recalled.
“It’s a vulnerable feeling. I thought I would be OK by now but my music is so personal, I feel like an open wound. I am more nervous now than on my first tour. I get massive anxiety. I really struggle.
“I was so nervous at the Grammys this year. I thought I would be more in control of my body and emotions but I get so nervous, to the point I’m almost having panic attacks.”
To help calm his nerves, Sam revealed he has given up drinking alcohol and is trying to meditate as much as possible.
“I am not drinking, I am trying to look after my mental health,” the Stay With Me singer said.
“I’ve been completely off the booze for three weeks now. I never want to make promises but being sober is something I’m interested in.
“When I don’t drink and I’m not smoking cigarettes, when I’m completely clean, I feel so focused and happy.
“So many people go through stuff. For me, my music has been my therapy.”
