Will Young has revealed he was wrongly diagnosed with bipolar disorder during a mental health crisis, which he describes as a breakdown. The 47-year-old singer, known for winning Pop Idol, experienced dissociation as a protective mechanism after a traumatic breakup.
Misdiagnosis and Trauma
Speaking on the podcast On The Mend with Matt Willis, Young explained that he was incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar disorder and prescribed medication. He said, 'I was completely misdiagnosed as bipolar and I wasn’t bipolar I had trauma.' The misdiagnosis occurred after he sought help for dissociation, which left him feeling like a 'walking ghost.'
Young recounted that the breakdown happened during his run in the West End revival of Cabaret. He told director Rufus Norris, 'I don’t want to panic you but I am having an emotional breakdown,' but assured him he would make it through. However, halfway through the run, he began dissociating. 'It’s a protective mechanism, and I just left my body and suddenly I couldn't recognize my face in the mirror,' he said.
Long-Term Effects and Recovery
The singer admitted that the dissociation persisted 'until fairly recently,' making life difficult for many years. He compared the experience to living 'in a video game' and confessed, 'For the last 14 years I haven't really been living if I am honest, I actually don't know how I'm still here, I really don't.'
Young credited his recovery to being in a happy and loving relationship. He also participated in an experimental course, which he declined to name, calling it 'a bit dangerous' and not very good.
The revelation highlights the importance of accurate mental health diagnoses and the impact of trauma. Young's story serves as a reminder that misdiagnosis can prolong suffering, but with proper support, recovery is possible.
