Jordan Stephens on Mental Health, Social Anxiety and Emotional Growth

Jordan Stephens sat down with Fearne for a candid discussion on his struggles with social anxiety and body dysmorphia, revealing how the pressure of being in the public eye often exacerbates these challenges.

“I’d walk into a room and feel like I was being judged by everyone there,” Jordan admits. He reflects on how societal ideals of perfection skewed his self-image and led to feelings of inadequacy. Learning to redefine beauty and focusing on self-compassion were pivotal steps in his healing journey.

ADHD: A Journey of Discovery and Understanding

Diagnosed later than many, Jordan reflects on how undiagnosed ADHD shaped his childhood and career.

“I didn’t know why I was always distracted or why I struggled to focus,” he shares, describing the frustration of being labelled lazy or unfocused in school. As he moved into adulthood, the pressures of his career amplified these challenges, leading him to turn to self-medication in an attempt to manage his symptoms. “For years, I thought I had it under control, but I was really just suppressing what was going on inside,” he admits. This period was marked by a cycle of highs and lows, where moments of creativity and productivity were often followed by burnout and self-doubt.

The turning point for Jordan came when he sought professional help in his late twenties. Through therapy and mindfulness, he began to unpack how ADHD affected his behaviours and emotions. “It’s about more than just focus, it’s about how you see yourself and how you navigate the world,” he explains. By understanding the condition more deeply, Jordan was able to adopt healthier coping mechanisms, such as structured routines and self-compassion. Today, he uses his platform to advocate for better awareness of ADHD, especially in creative industries where the condition is often misunderstood or overlooked.

Anger as a Tool for Growth

While anger is often perceived as a negative emotion, Jordan sees it as a powerful tool when channelled constructively.

“Anger doesn’t have to be destructive. It can be a driving force for change,” he shares. By recognising his own triggers and using anger to fuel his creative outlets, Jordan demonstrates how emotions, even difficult ones, can lead to personal and societal growth.

Body Dysmorphia: Finding Confidence Beyond Appearance

Jordan’s ongoing struggle with body dysmorphia began in his teenage years and persisted into his twenties. “I grew up in a culture where your worth was tied to how you looked,” he says, describing the pressure he felt to conform to societal standards of beauty.

As his fame grew during his time with Rizzle Kicks, the public scrutiny only intensified these feelings. “When you’re in the spotlight, it’s like a magnifying glass is held up to every flaw you think you have,” he says. He began to avoid mirrors and obsessed over perceived imperfections.

Jordan’s breakthrough came after years of internalising these pressures and realising the toll they were taking on his mental health. In his late twenties, he began to prioritise self-reflection and therapy, which helped him challenge the unrealistic expectations he had placed on himself. “I had to learn to separate my worth from how I looked,” he explains, crediting practices like journaling and open conversations with trusted friends for helping him rebuild his confidence.

Now in his thirties, Jordan is committed to redefining his relationship with his body and encouraging others to do the same. “It’s not about perfection, it’s about being kind to yourself and recognising that your value goes far beyond appearance,” he says.

“I had to learn to separate my worth from how I looked,”

The Fear of Getting Things Wrong

Jordan and Fearne discovered a shared fear of making mistakes, a feeling that often leads to self-doubt and overthinking. “The fear of getting it wrong can be paralysing, but mistakes are how we learn and grow”, he now realises, embracing his vulnerability and viewing failures as an essential part of success.

The Journey to Self-Acceptance

At the heart of Jordan’s message is the importance of self-acceptance. “It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being real with yourself,” he explains. By prioritising mental health and building resilience, he hopes to inspire others to be kinder to themselves and open up about their struggles. “Healing is a lifelong process, but every step forward counts.”