Ariana Grande Opens Up About Her Darkest Times and Mental Health Battles

Ariana Grande is currently at the pinnacle of her career with her first Oscar nomination for her role in Wicked, but the road to success was paved with hardship and heartache. In an intimate appearance on The Hollywood Reporter Awards Chatter podcast, the 31-year-old superstar revealed the shocking mental health struggles and psychological battles she faced during what she describes as the “dark era” of her career.

The Weight of Tragedy and Loss

Ariana’s emotional journey began during the production of her breakthrough albums, Sweetener and Thank U, Next. The production of Sweetener was set in motion by a tragedy that shook her world—a bombing in Manchester in 2017 that claimed 22 lives just outside one of her concerts. Mere months after the album’s release in August 2018, Ariana was struck again by grief when her former boyfriend, Mac Miller, died of a drug overdose at the age of 26. These two devastating events sent shockwaves through her life, plunging her into a battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and crippling anxiety.

Music as a Lifeline

On the podcast, Ariana candidly shared, “I went through so much therapy, faced PTSD, and experienced every form of depression and anxiety. Of course, I sought treatment seriously, but making music was truly what saved me.” The creative process became a form of therapy for her—a way to channel the overwhelming pain into something healing and meaningful. After the loss of Mac Miller and her breakup with Pete Davidson, Ariana poured her heartache into Thank U, Next, completing and releasing the album in just two weeks in February 2019.

She reflected, “That was a dark time, and music brought so much relief. The experience was raw and urgent—it’s what kept me alive.” Despite the unimaginable pain, music became a beacon of hope that helped her heal and find solace during her darkest moments.

From Despair to Celebration

Despite the emotional scars left by her past, Ariana Grande has emerged stronger and more resilient than ever. Her journey has not only transformed her personally but also propelled her to new heights professionally. Celebrating her first Oscar nomination for Wicked, Ariana shared an emotional post on social media. She confessed, “I couldn’t stop crying; these tears are pure joy.” Her post resonated with fans worldwide, as she expressed profound gratitude towards The Academy for the recognition that affirmed her talent and perseverance.

In the post, she also paid homage to a cherished part of her past by sharing a childhood photo of herself dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz—a nod to the inspiration behind her role in Wicked. Ariana’s heartfelt message also included a tribute to her close friend Cynthia, with whom she shared a beautiful reunion over a celebratory lunch in London after the nominations were announced. “Her brilliance is endless, and she deserves every blossom in every garden,” Ariana declared, emphasizing their unbreakable bond.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Now, as Wicked garners an impressive 10 Oscar nominations, Ariana is eagerly anticipating the upcoming ceremony on March 12. She remains optimistic, hoping that this milestone is just one of many positive turns in her incredible journey. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and art—the way she has turned her darkest moments into a narrative of hope and triumph.

Through every struggle and every victory, Ariana Grande has stayed true to herself, using her music as both an escape and a lifeline. Her journey through mental health challenges and personal losses has not only shaped her artistry but has also inspired countless fans to find their own strength in the face of adversity.