Lizzo opens up about depression, music as healing, and her new album ‘Love in Real Life’

The singer says making music helped her survive some of her darkest days.

Lizzo is known for her confidence and joy, but behind the scenes, she’s faced serious mental health struggles. In a new Rolling Stone interview, the Grammy-winning singer shared that making her upcoming album, Love in Real Life, became a lifeline during a dark chapter of depression.

“There were days I didn’t think I could make it through,” Lizzo said. “But I had to show up to the studio. Music saved my life.” She described the intense emotions she poured into the writing process, even if some of the songs didn’t make the final cut. “There were things I needed to say, even if I couldn’t release them.”

Lizzo admitted that she used to second-guess her lyrics out of concern for how others might feel. “I said, ‘I will never, ever be a side chick,’ but then I worried, what if I offend someone?” Over time, she’s realised trying to avoid criticism is impossible. “Everybody’s offended by something now. You can’t please everyone. So I’ve started saying what I want to say.”

Despite fame, her personal battles didn’t magically disappear. “My anxiety didn’t go away. My depression didn’t go away. I’m still the same person,” she previously told Variety. What’s changed is her outlook.

Now, Lizzo feels more empowered than ever. “Yo, I’m feeling amazing now. Like, shit. I wasn’t feeling bad before, but I do feel like brand-new, you know?” she said. “I need to be creating all the time. That’s my new thing… You need to trust your vision too. And I’m really, really happy.”