Lewis Capaldi Credits Therapy for Bringing Back His Voice and Vision After Health Struggles

8 July 2025

Lewis Capaldi CREDIT: BetterHelp

Lewis Capaldi, the Scottish singer-songwriter whose haunting ballad “Someone You Loved” teamed celestial ache with global chart domination, has returned to music and to the stage after an emotional and transformative two-year hiatus prompted by health challenges far from the glamour of fame.

In a revealing new video shared July 7 by mental health platform BetterHelp, Capaldi spoke candidly about being diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome in 2022, the anxiety that shadowed him through live performance, and how therapy became the pivotal force in rekindling his identity as an artist. He described visiting various therapists before finding the one who resonated with him, a process that included weekly video sessions and breathing exercises, strategies he credited with turning down the “pressure valve” that had overwhelmed him both mentally and physically .

His struggle came to a head during the Glastonbury Festival in 2023. Capaldi began his set on the iconic Pyramid Stage only to be forced off when Tourette’s flared and anxiety tightened its grip. In a heartfelt Instagram announcement at the time, he explained that he “used to be able to enjoy every second of shows” but was no longer certain he could continue without endangering his well-being. He called stepping back “the most difficult decision of my life,” a move that sent shock waves through the music world .

Though he feared this might be the end, therapy provided the scaffolding he needed to rebuild. In the BetterHelp video Capaldi poignantly summed up his transformation: “Therapy has been such a massive part of my last two years, a massive part of the reason I’ve been able to be a musician again.” He emphasized that anxiety would still accompany him but accepting its presence and learning to respond differently had made all the difference.

In a symbolic gesture of gratitude and solidarity, Capaldi partnered with BetterHelp to donate 734,000 hours of free therapy equivalent to one thousand hours for each day he was offstage. This gesture underscores his mission to help others who face similar battles behind the curtain.

Reaffirming his return in dramatic fashion, Capaldi surprised Glastonbury audiences on June 27, 2025, completing the set he was unable to finish two years earlier. “Glastonbury it’s so good to be back,” he expressed, choking back tears before letting the music speak, a poignant validation of a journey defined by struggle, therapeutic healing, and resilience.

On the same day, he released “Survive,” his first single in two years. The track debuted atop the UK Singles Chart and has secured a Top 10 position in Ireland, affirming that Capaldi’s emotional authenticity continues to resonate world‑wide. Its acoustic gravitas echoing his struggles and triumphs bears the fruit of his therapy journey and the honesty that has become his hallmark.

Looking ahead, Capaldi announced new UK tour dates starting in September, captioning an Instagram post with the simple but powerful words, “about time I got back to work…hope to see you out there.” His return is further proof of the progress he’s made, emotionally and physically.

Capaldi’s story arrives at a cultural moment when mental health conversations are being spotlighted alongside headline-making medical battles among stars. His transparency about Tourette’s and anxiety invites listeners into a space of vulnerability, offering permission to seek help. In an industry often sensationalizing celebrity breakdowns, Capaldi embodies a rare counter-narrative, therapy as a tool, not a punchline, and honesty as the ultimate performance .

His return to music has not only reignited ticket sales but also inspired a wave of empathy. Frequently, fans share how his journey mirrors their own, and therapy offers as much hope as any power ballad. By aligning with BetterHelp and donating hours of counseling, Capaldi positions himself not just as an emotional voice but as a catalyst for real-world change.

Now standing center stage, guitar in hand Lewis Capaldi is back as an artist reborn, one who has confronted his inner storms and come through them stronger. His story reminds us that the most difficult interludes can precede the most triumphant choruses, and that even when voices tremble, they can still sing us to hope.