In an interview with Australian Vogue, pop singer Katy Perry opens up about her situational depression after the release of her 2017 album Witness.
Talking about the mixed reviews and reactions to the album the "Roar" singer said:
I have had bouts of situational depression and my heart was broken last year because, unknowingly, I put so much validity in the reaction of the public, and the public didn't react in the way I had expected to … which broke my heart. Music is my first love and I think it was the universe saying: 'Okay, you speak all of this language about self-love and authenticity, but we are going to put you through another test and take away any kind of validating 'blankie.' Then we'll see how much you do truly love yourself.
Perry says she was able to regroup and take care of herself by spending a week at a mental-health retreat and getting back in touch with her spiritual side. She is feeling better saying about the experience:
That brokenness, plus me opening up to a greater, higher power and reconnecting with divinity, gave me a wholeness I never had. It gave me a new foundation. It's not just a material foundation: it's a soul foundation.
Fans were there to support Katy.
Not everyone was feeling the compassion though; some people were downright nasty.
Maybe the best relief from situational depression is to stay far away from social media.
In the same interview, Perry revealed that she'd returned to Christianity, a move that certainly pleased her pious mother:
'My mom prayed for me my entire life, hoping I'd come back to God.'
Perry, who met Pope Francis back in April, added: "Now that I'm in my 30s, it's more about spirituality and heart goodness."
Of Pope Francis, she said:
I'm such a big fan of Pope Francis. It's a combination of compassion, humility, sternness and refusal. He is a rebel – a rebel for Jesus.
And it looks like that move has garnered Perry at least one new fan.
Live your truth, Katy Perry.
