Perrie Edwards on Mental Health, Overcoming Anxiety and Balancing Fame with Family Life
Perrie Edwards, known for her chart-topping success with Little Mix, has had her fair share of struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, while managing the pressures of fame. In her candid conversation with Fearne on the Happy Place podcast, Perrie opens up about her mental health journey, the difficulties of living in the public eye and how she's carving a new path in her solo career while embracing motherhood.
The Silent Struggles of Fame
Known for her powerful vocals and mesmerising presence on stage, Perrie Edwards has privately been struggling with severe anxiety and panic attacks. She first experienced a panic attack years ago, during a trip to Vegas. “I thought I was dying. I thought I was having a heart attack,” Perrie remembers. Panic attacks then became a regular occurance.
Living with anxiety is not easy, especially when you’re in the public eye. "I thought I was going insane," Perries says, remembering moments when she even feared being institutionalised. Over time, Perrie’s therapy journey has taught her to confront her anxiety rather than avoid it. “Now, I try to understand why I feel this way and remind myself that I am safe,” she says.
The Price of Being in the Spotlight
Fame is often viewed as glamorous, but Perrie is quick to debunk that myth. She describes the pressure of living under constant scrutiny and the negative impact of online criticism. “The cost of fame has been hard for me,” Perrie says. The endless public judgement and harsh criticisms are a stark contrast to the joy that comes with performing and the band’s success.
Perrie believes that fame and success are two very different things. While success is about doing what you love and achieving your goals, fame often brings a darker side. “Fame can be traumatic,” she says. "The pressure to live up to an image and the constant judgement are difficult to manage."
To manage this darker side, Perrie keeps grounded and resilient with the help and support of people she loves and trusts - her family, closest friends and her therapist.
Motherhood and Mental Health
As a new mum to son Axel, Perrie has had to adjust her work-life balance. While her passion for music remains strong, she acknowledges that her priorities have shifted. “I can’t just work 24/7 anymore like I used to,” Perrie says. The intense schedules and constant travel that came with her Little Mix days no longer fit into her life. Perrie finds joy in spending more time at home with her family.
Despite the rewards of motherhood, Perrie still grapples with mum guilt when she has to leave Axel for work. “I want to be there for every moment of his life but I also want to pursue my career and my passion for music,” Perrie explains. Like many parents, she finds it hard to strike the right balance between work and home life.
The Power of Therapy
Therapy has been an essential part of Perrie’s healing process. She has learned valuable techniques for managing anxiety, including mindfulness and tapping, which help her stay calm during overwhelming moments. “I try to be with the feelings and remind myself that I’m safe,” Perrie says, explaining how confronting her anxiety head-on has made a big difference in her daily life.
Perrie also encourages others who may be facing similar struggles to seek help and not shy away from therapy. “I’ve had my ups and downs, but finding the right therapist has been life-changing,” she shares.
“finding the right therapist has been life-changing”.
Taking Control of the Narrative
Social media is a key way of promoting Perrie’s music but it’s not without its pitfalls. The constant need to produce content, while dealing with online criticism, is an ongoing struggle. “You have to be a content creator now,” she says with a sigh, noting how much pressure there is to maintain a strong online presence.
Perrie is learning to advocate for herself in this new phase of her career. “I’ve had to step up and speak for myself. It’s hard, but I’m learning to trust myself more,” she says, crediting her partner, Alex, and her therapist for encouraging her to find her voice in both her personal and professional life.
Embrace Your Journey and Keep Pushing Forward
Perrie’s story is one of resilience, growth and embracing vulnerability. From her battles with anxiety to navigating the pressures of fame, Perrie has learned to prioritise her mental health while pursuing her passions. As she continues to build her solo career and balance motherhood, she remains committed to finding peace and authenticity in her life.
For anyone struggling with anxiety or self-doubt, Perrie’s message is that you are not alone and there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. Keep going, seek support and trust that you are stronger than you think.
Join the Conversation
Want to hear more from Perrie Edwards inspiring journey? Listen to the full conversation on Happy Place.
