He is one of the most important artists of all time, and Juanes has little left to achieve in the world of music that he has not already achieved. Even with all his success, the Colombian wanted to draw attention to an important reality: mental health disorders, such as depression, do not discriminate.
The composer surprised his followers by opening up and acknowledging that “for many years” he has suffered from depression, a disease that was difficult for him to accept and for which he recognized that he needed help. However, already in treatment, he has made it his mission to share his testimony so that other people in the same situation can support others as soon as possible.
“Many years have passed to be able to write this,” writes the composer through his Instagram account, where he has opened his heart to his followers. “It is never too late to understand that mental health is essential for everyone.”
“Feeling vulnerable makes me stronger. Being able to talk about my problems and my insecurities openly does not make me a coward or weak,” the musician begins by writing, assuring that opening up in this way is helping him “heal from the soul” and ” be more human.”
Juanes confesses that he has suffered from depression for years, and has discovered that it is a very common illness. Luckily, in recent years there has been more talk about mental health, which has given rise to making this type of disease visible and seeing how common it is.
In his case, it all began with “one of the hardest blows” of his life, more than a decade ago. However, at the time, no one took him seriously. “Inside I was destroyed, disappointed and tired. Some people around me made me think I was crazy. I had put aside my personal care to please the rest of the world,” he reveals.
The singer reached an almost point of no return, in which he was so exhausted on all levels that he resorted to alcohol to “numb and continue”, which made his condition worse. “Fortunately, it’s never too late to talk to someone about a problem,” insists the artist, who first took refuge in his mother and his brothers, who immediately offered him their love, support and made it easier for him to recover of the.
“All this happened when it was not normal to talk about depression, much less if you were a successful artist. Success did not allow depression or sadness. Your life had to be perfect,” says the artist.
However, the years have meant that the Colombian composer is not only fighting for his full recovery -the artist reveals that he has not defeated the disease, but “I handle it much better-, but also encourages others and has made the mission of give visibility to this terrible disease that continues to be taboo for many.
“We can all suffer from depression, and talking about it is a good way to start fighting a silent and powerful disease that can take lives,” she reiterates, “Don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. You can too. Cheer up!” .
