Chappell Roan, perhaps the hottest musical artist in the world right now (sorry Taylor), is out of the major multi-city All Things Go festival this weekend, citing her mental health.
In what may be an encouraging sign for the broader acceptance of mental health as a real issue in America, everyone seems to be fully understanding and supportive of Roan’s decision.
“Things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks and I am really feeling it,” she posted on social media Friday afternoon, according to screenshots shared on Instagram.
Chappell Roan was scheduled to be a featured act at All Things Go in New York City on Saturday, Sept. 28 and Washington DC on Sunday, Sept. 29.
But, as she said in her post, “I need a few days to prioritize my health.”
The festival’s organizers quickly took to social themselves to make it very clear—they understood, and it was okay.
“All Things Go strongly supports artists prioritizing their well-being and we ask our community to rally around Chappell Roan with love and understanding,” the festival posted Friday afternoon.
Chappell Roan and a Spotlight on Mental Health
In light of Chappell Roan taking time for herself, it’s a good reminder that prioritizing mental health is as key as physical health—and the entertainment industry is no exception.
Psychiatrists say that entertainment industry professionals are three times more likely than the general population to experience mental health struggles. In other words, more than half of all musicians like Chappell Roan will, at some time or another, experience issues that need to be addressed.
The London-based Musicians’ Union backs this up, reporting that up to 80 percent of independent musicians between the ages of 18 to 25 have struggled with mental illness.
MusiCares, an industry charity that has doled out millions in aid to artists for their health needs, is perhaps the best-known support for those struggling.