Lewis Capaldi, the chart-topping Scottish singer-songwriter best known for his heartfelt ballads, has become an influential voice in the debate around mental health, as well as a best-selling music icon.
The chart-topping Scottish singer-songwriter, best known for his heartfelt ballads, has become an influential voice in the debate around mental health.
His recent return to the stage at Glastonbury 2025 marked more than just a comeback: it was a powerful testament to resilience, recovery and the role therapy can play in navigating life’s most complex challenges. Capaldi’s openness about the struggles he has faced offers inspiration to others, as well as giving a valuable insight into how vulnerability can be closely linked to high performance.
His story is a reminder that mental health isn’t a private issue to be hidden away, but a universal concern that needs open conversation in every walk of life. As the pressures of modern work increasingly mirror the intensity found in creative industries, the singer’s honesty offers an insight into empathy, wellbeing and long-term recovery.
From the spotlight to silence
Capaldi was riding high in the charts on both sides of the Atlantic after his single, Someone to Love, released in November 2018, topped the UK singles chart for seven weeks. In 2019, the song also topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian charts and became the best-selling single of the year in the UK. It won a 2020 Brit Award as Song of the Year and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
However, in 2022, Capaldi publicly shared that he had been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome and that he was struggling with severe anxiety. Following an emotionally challenging performance at Glastonbury in 2023, he made the difficult decision to step away from music indefinitely at the peak of his success. At the time, he stated he needed to prioritise his own wellbeing over his career, saying, “It has become obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order.”
What followed was a two-year hiatus away from the public eye, during which the 28-year-old Glasgow-born star undertook therapy and worked with healthcare professionals to better understand and manage his conditions. In a recent interview, discussing making a comeback, Capaldi admitted, “Therapy has been such a massive part of my last two years, and the reason I’ve been able to be a musician again.”
This period of focused recovery wasn’t the end of his career, rather it became a turning point – one that culminated in his emotional return to the Glastonbury stage in June 2025. His brave performance was a declaration that acknowledging mental health challenges and taking steps to address them is not a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of strength, maturity and self-awareness.
Gift of therapy
Capaldi’s partnership with BetterHelp, a leading online therapy platform, has taken his mental health message a step further. He has announced a donation of 734,000 hours of free therapy for others – equivalent to 1,000 hours for every day he was away from performing. Using his platform as a global superstar to make support more accessible to others, he said in a BetterHelp campaign video, “If I can be a part of sharing that with other people, why not?”
The initiative has great significance in today’s hectic world, with more than eight million people in the UK experiencing an anxiety disorder at any given time, according to Mental Health UK. Research from the Mental Health Foundation also found that 20% of UK adults feel anxious “most or all of the time”, with 60% saying it “significantly interferes” with their daily life. Worryingly, almost half of those suffering don’t talk about it, citing the stigma surrounding mental health as the main reason why.
Around 300,000 children and adults in the UK have Tourette’s syndrome, including a number of people who have a symptom called coprolalia, which causes involuntary swearing. Many individuals with Tourette’s may not receive a diagnosis until years after their tics begin. Capaldi’s actions are chipping away at the stigma surrounding mental health, because when someone in the public eye talks about having therapy and shows that recovery is possible, it can inspire others to seek help too. The star’s vulnerability hasn’t harmed his career. On the contrary, it has made him more relatable, deepened his connection with fans and reinforced his authenticity as an artist.
What business leaders can learn from Capaldi’s experience
Recognising vulnerability doesn’t reduce a business leader’s authority. On the contrary, it encourages openness, fosters trust and helps cultivate psychologically safe workplaces. This means environments where employees feel comfortable speaking up about the challenges they’re facing, without fear of judgement or repercussions.
The creative industries, like the corporate world, are known for their high pressure, long hours and performance-driven culture. Just as Capaldi faced the relentless demands of touring and public expectations, employees in many sectors face continuous deadlines, productivity metrics and uncertainty about the future. Anxiety isn’t confined to artists – it’s deeply embedded in modern work culture in many different sectors.
Leadership and mental health are increasingly intertwined, with leaders setting the tone for how colleagues’ wellbeing is supported, prioritised and perceived. Ignoring concerns about stress, anxiety or depression can lead to burnout, a lack of engagement and, ultimately, high employee turnover. Addressing issues and being upfront is smart leadership. When employers create space for open conversations around mental wellbeing, it shows workers they’re valued as people. Ignoring stress and anxiety doesn’t make them go away – it just pushes them under the surface, where they can quietly impact individual performance, morale and team dynamics.
A supportive culture starts at the top; whether it’s offering mental health days, promoting access to therapy, or just checking in with your team regularly, small steps make a big difference.
Building a culture of care
The responsibility of supporting mental health at work doesn’t lie solely with HR departments. Managers can embed wellbeing initiatives in the workplace in ways that are effective and inclusive, such as discussing therapy and being open. Sharing personal experiences helps remove outdated stigma and allows employees to deal with issues without fearing professional repercussions.
Flexible working is another cornerstone of a mentally healthy workplace. For many, the traditional 9-to-5 office model can worsen anxiety, or reduce the ability to manage health proactively. Giving employees control over how and where they work supports both wellbeing and productivity. Studies show 71% of workers view a flexible working pattern as important to them.
When considering flexible working arrangements, it’s important to partner with experts who understand your needs, offering tailored support. Cultivating a workplace environment where people can speak openly is crucial. Managers should be trained to spot signs of distress and respond with empathy and practical support.
A healthier model for success
Capaldi says he must accept that anxiety is always going to be there, but he explains, “It’s all about how I respond that’s important,” as mental health isn’t something to “fix”. It’s a continual process of self-awareness, health management and care.
Success shouldn’t be defined by relentless output or stoic endurance. The star’s decision to take time out, prioritise his health and return on his own terms is a powerful rejection of burnout culture. It’s also a broader message that with the right support, it’s possible to return stronger and more fulfilled after recognising mental health concerns.
For leaders, the takeaway is clear. Supporting employee health is essential, and by embedding wellbeing initiatives in the workplace, we can move towards a brighter future.
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