“I still find it hard to feel like I’m not failing.”
On Tuesday night, Shawn Mendes took to Twitter to have a honest moment with his fans about his mental health.
Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images
In a lengthy note written on his Apple Notes app, the 23-year-old musician revealed he’s “overwhelmed and overstimulated” at this point in his life and career.
Hutton Supancic / Getty Images for SXSW
“I’m afraid that if people know and see the truth,” Shawn wrote. “They might think less of me. They might become bored of me.”
“So in those moments of feeling low, I either put on a show or hide. The truth, in current form, is a 23-year-old who constantly feels like he’s either flying or drowning.”
Mega / GC Images / Getty Images
Shawn confessed that he really wants to show the world his true, honest self without caring what people think. At times he’s been able to do just that, but there are also moments where he struggles to free himself from other people’s views and opinions.
Axelle / FilmMagic / Getty Images
“Even with so much success, I still find it hard to feel like I’m not failing; hyper-focused on what I don’t have, forgetting to see all that I do.”
“The truth is I’m overwhelmed and overstimulated, LOL. The truth is also that I’m okay.”
Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images
The “When You’re Gone” singer hoped his words would resonate with his fans, so that others feeling the same way would know they’re not alone. And based on the positive responses, it looks like his message hit home for a lot of folks:
@ShawnMendes i feel this so much. life is a never ending puzzle to me. sometimes everything fits into place. sometimes i can’t figure out where anything goes! but sometimes you just gotta make peace with the pieces.
@ShawnMendes Thank you so much for being so candid and opena about how you’re feeling. As someone in my 20s too, I constantly feel like I have no clue what I’m actually doing and care too much about what people think of me. It’s normal! Know that you’re not alone, and be kind to yourself
@ShawnMendes Turning 50 this year. Learn that there is difference between doing what is expected from you and doing what is right for you. What you do is sing. But who you are is Shawn. Live with integrity. Life is so short. Just be you. And know that’s enough. That is inner peace.
@ShawnMendes Also just wanna say one thing it’s COMPLETELY NORMAL to feel afraid about what people will think/feel about you. But sometimes you just gotta say FUCK IT and allow yourself to be the real you. You don’t realise how much allowing yourself to be the REAL YOU will inspire others…
@ShawnMendes I feel the same way honestly, this world constantly makes us feel like we’re not doing enough which leaves a void type of feelin within us. But sometimes all we have to do is slow down and think about where we were just a couple of years ago and see the growth that way. All love
And as more replies rolled in, Shawn concluded with this tweet:
and i guess im like damn if i’m feeling this with all of the blessings i have i imagine there must be so many people feeling this and just don’t want them to feel alone !!
To read Shawn’s full note, check it out below:
BuzzFeed Daily
Keep up with the latest daily buzz with the BuzzFeed Daily newsletter!
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/07/08/580/n/1922564/f78867556a4e48f63e2a99.33534786_.jpg "Keke Palmer Wowed in a Metallic Corset at Essence Festival – Get Her Look Starting at")
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/07/06/655/n/49352476/b5895de25ab74fb2_imgi_1_733172791_18633218026037720_235082600448149611_n.jpg "Shop J Lo's Wedding Guest Look For Taylor and Travis's Wedding – Starting at")
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/06/17/796/n/1922564/2d1048706a32e253a32346.96073123_.jpg "The Hottest Item in Fashion This Summer? A Soccer Jersey")
