How Ariana Grande has been on a 'healing' journey to cope with PTSD, grief, depression and anxiety - as she tearfully bids goodbye to showbiz and goes on a career hiatus

Ariana Grande, widely recognized as one of the most influential pop artists of her generation, has recently announced a pause in her career to prioritize her mental health and personal healing. At 33 years old, Grande’s achievements span over a decade, including multiple Grammy Awards, record-breaking sales, and a successful foray into acting. However, behind her public success lies a prolonged journey grappling with trauma and emotional distress.

The catalyst for much of Grande’s ongoing healing process traces back to the tragic bombing at her Manchester concert in 2017, which resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals and injured over a thousand. This event not only marked a pivotal moment in her life but also led to a formal diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Grande has openly discussed the profound physical and psychological symptoms she endured following the attack, revealing how the trauma deeply affected her daily life and mental well-being.

In the years following the Manchester tragedy, Grande turned to music and therapy as her main coping mechanisms. Her albums, particularly Sweetener and Thank U, Next, emerged amidst these struggles and were explicitly shaped by her experiences with grief, anxiety, and depression. The creative process behind these works was described as urgent and vital, serving as a therapeutic outlet that helped her confront and express her pain. The rapid release of Thank U, Next shortly after Sweetener underscored her need for emotional release, even as it defied conventional industry norms.

Adding to her challenges, Grande faced a personal loss when her former partner, rapper Mac Miller, died from an accidental overdose less than a month after Sweetener’s release. This compounded her grief and further influenced her artistic output. The intensity of these overlapping tragedies has been a significant factor in her decision to slow down and seek respite from the relentless demands of public life.

Grande’s vulnerability has also extended to her physical health and body image, topics that have drawn public scrutiny over time. Fans and observers noted changes in her appearance during her involvement with the Wicked film project, where she portrayed Glinda. Grande addressed rumors and concerns by emphasizing the complexities of health, mental illness, and the impact of medications, advocating for compassion and understanding toward those facing invisible struggles.

In addition to these ongoing battles, Grande experienced a distressing incident last year when an aggressive fan breached security at a red carpet event in Singapore. This encounter triggered her PTSD symptoms anew and highlighted the difficulties she faces in managing trauma triggers within the public sphere. Reports indicate the individual had a history of targeting celebrities, intensifying concerns for her safety and well-being.

Despite these challenges, Grande maintained a rigorous schedule for several years, including filming two Wicked movies, promoting her music, and embarking on the Eternal Sunshine tour. The tour, which began in June 2023, was particularly significant as it symbolized her tentative steps toward reclaiming her relationship with live performance after years of trauma. However, ongoing concerns about her health resurfaced during the tour, especially following the release of the music video for "Petal," where her appearance prompted renewed discussions about her physical state.

In early 2024, Grande concluded her Eternal Sunshine tour with an emotional final show at London’s O2 Arena, marking a poignant pause in her career. Her decision to step back from public-facing work was framed as a necessary measure to escape the intense scrutiny that accompanies her fame and to focus on recovery. Representatives for the artist confirmed this hiatus, citing the need for a break from the relentless pressures of the entertainment industry.

While details about the length and specifics of her hiatus remain limited, Grande’s openness about her struggles has resonated widely, bringing increased attention to the importance of mental health support for those in high-pressure environments. Her journey underscores the complexities of coping with trauma and loss under the spotlight and highlights the healing power of artistic expression and professional care.

As Grande embarks on this period of rest and reflection, the music community and fans alike await her eventual return, hopeful that this time will allow her to regain strength and continue contributing her unique voice to the cultural landscape. Meanwhile, her experience serves as a powerful reminder of the human realities behind celebrity, and the necessity of compassion for those confronting invisible battles.