In a candid and emotional revelation that has sent waves across the entertainment industry, Grammy-nominated singer Shawn Mendes has shared his deeply personal story of battling mental health challenges and how his beloved dog became his lifeline during the darkest moments of his life.
The 25-year-old Canadian artist, known for hits like “Stitches,” “Treat You Better,” and “Señorita,” sat down for an exclusive interview that has quickly become one of the most discussed celebrity interviews of the year. During the conversation, Mendes spoke openly about his struggles with anxiety and depression, topics he admitted he had previously been hesitant to discuss publicly.
“I was falling,” Mendes said, his voice heavy with emotion. “And I didn’t know how to stop. Every day felt like I was sinking deeper into this hole that I couldn’t see the bottom of. But then he came into my life, and everything changed.”
The “he” to whom Mendes refers is his golden retriever, a dog he adopted during one of the most challenging periods of his career. The singer has chosen to keep his furry companion’s name private, but he describes the dog as his “saving grace” and the reason he found his way back to himself.
A Star’s Hidden Battle
Behind the glitz and glamour of sold-out stadium tours and chart-topping singles, Shawn Mendes has been fighting a battle that millions of people around the world understand all too well. The pressures of fame, constant public scrutiny, and the relentless demands of the music industry took a severe toll on the singer’s mental health.
“I’ve always wanted to be honest with my fans,” Mendes explained. “But there was a time when I couldn’t even be honest with myself. I was performing on stage every night, smiling for thousands of people, and then going back to my hotel room and not being able to breathe. It was like I was living two completely different lives.”
The severity of Mendes’ condition reached a point where he questioned whether he could continue pursuing his music career. The singer admitted that there were moments when he felt completely lost, disconnected from the passion that had once defined his entire existence.
“There were days when I didn’t want to get out of bed,” he recalled. “The thought of facing another interview, another performance, another day of pretending that everything was fine—it felt impossible. I was exhausted in a way that I can’t even describe.”
The Turning Point
Mendes’ life changed the day he decided to visit a local animal shelter during a rare break in his touring schedule. He had gone with no intention of adopting a pet, simply looking for a way to fill a lonely afternoon. What he found instead was a companion who would transform his life in ways he never anticipated.
“I saw him in the back of the room,” Mendes described, a smile breaking across his face for the first time during the interview. “He was just sitting there, looking at me like he understood everything I was going through. Something just clicked.”
The singer immediately knew that this golden retriever was meant to be part of his life. He completed the adoption papers that same day and brought his new companion home, not fully understanding just how profound this decision would prove to be.
“I remember thinking that maybe having a dog would help with the loneliness,” Mendes said. “But I had no idea just how much he would change everything. He didn’t just fill the empty spaces in my apartment—he filled the empty spaces in my heart.”
The Healing Power of Unconditional Love
In the months following the adoption, Shawn Mendes began to notice significant changes in his mental state. His dog provided something that had been missing from his life: unconditional love and presence without judgment or expectation.
“There’s something about having a dog that makes you feel less alone,” the singer explained. “He doesn’t care about my chart positions or my social media following. He just cares about being with me, and that simplicity is everything when your mind is constantly racing.”
Mendes described how the routine of caring for his dog—walks, feeding times, play sessions—provided a structure that helped him regain a sense of purpose. When depression had made even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable, his dog’s needs gave him a reason to get out of bed each morning.
“The first few months were really hard,” Mendes admitted. “But every morning, he’d come into my room and just wag his tail, so excited to see me. And I realized that this living creature depended on me. That responsibility gave me a reason to keep going when I didn’t have one for myself.”
The therapeutic benefits of animal companionship have been extensively documented by mental health professionals. Studies have consistently shown that spending time with dogs can reduce cortisol levels, decrease feelings of anxiety and depression, and release oxytocin—the “bonding hormone”—in both humans and animals.
“Honestly, I think he saved my life,” Mendes said, his eyes welling with tears. “I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s the truth. Without him, I don’t know where I’d be right now. He gave me a reason to wake up. He gave me unconditional love when I couldn’t love myself. He pulled me out of the darkness.”
Breaking the Stigma
Shawn Mendes’ decision to share his story represents a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about mental health in the entertainment industry. For too long, celebrities have been expected to project an image of perfection, hiding their struggles behind carefully curated social media posts and public appearances.
The singer expressed hope that his openness would encourage others who are facing similar challenges to seek help without shame or embarrassment.
“I think there’s this idea in our industry that you have to be strong all the time,” Mendes said. “That admitting you’re struggling makes you weak. But the truth is, it takes more strength to ask for help than to pretend everything is fine. I want my fans to know that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to struggle. And it’s absolutely okay to talk about it.”
Mendes also emphasized the importance of professional help, noting that while his dog played a crucial role in his recovery, he also worked with therapists and mental health professionals throughout his journey.
“My dog was a huge part of my healing, but he wasn’t the only part,” the singer clarified. “I also had an amazing support system—my family, my friends, my team—and I was seeing a therapist regularly. Recovery isn’t a linear process, and it’s different for everyone. But I think having a pet can be an incredible complement to professional treatment.”
The Power of Pets in Mental Health Recovery
Mendes’ story highlights a growing recognition of the therapeutic value that animals can provide to individuals struggling with mental health issues. Mental health experts have long noted the benefits of animal-assisted therapy, which can include reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, improved mood, increased social interaction, and a greater sense of purpose and routine.
Dr. Emily Roberts, a clinical psychologist specializing in celebrity mental health, commented on Mendes’ story: “What Shawn is describing aligns perfectly with what we know about the human-animal bond. Pets provide unconditional positive regard, which can be incredibly healing for individuals struggling with self-worth. They also encourage physical activity, routine, and social connection—all of which are protective factors against depression and anxiety.”
The doctor continued: “Of course, a pet shouldn’t replace professional mental health care, but they can be an invaluable part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Shawn’s openness about his journey is both brave and potentially life-saving for fans who might be going through similar experiences.”
A New Chapter
Today, Shawn Mendes describes himself as being in a much better place, though he acknowledges that mental health recovery is an ongoing journey rather than a destination. He continues to work with therapists and credits his dog with helping him maintain his mental wellness.
“I still have hard days,” the singer admitted. “I’m not going to sit here and pretend that everything is perfect now because I have a dog. But I’ve learned tools and strategies that help me manage, and I have this incredible companion who reminds me every single day that there’s beauty in simplicity and joy in the small moments.”
Mendes’ transparency about his struggles has resonated deeply with fans around the world. Social media has been flooded with messages of support and gratitude, with many sharing their own stories of how pets have helped them through difficult times.
“It’s been overwhelming, in the best way,” Mendes said. “So many people have reached out to tell me that my story helped them feel less alone. That means more to me than any chart success ever could. If I can help one person who was where I was, then everything I’ve been through was worth it.”
Looking Forward
As for what’s next, Shawn Mendes is focusing on his music and his well-being. He has hinted at new projects in the works but emphasized that his mental health will always come first.
“I’m in a really good place right now,” he said with a genuine smile. “I’m making music that I’m truly passionate about, I’m surrounded by people who love and support me, and I have this little guy who depends on me and brings me so much joy. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s good. And that’s enough.”
The singer concluded the interview with a message to anyone who might be struggling: “If you’re feeling lost, please reach out. Talk to someone—a friend, a family member, a professional. And if you can, consider getting a pet. I’m not saying it’s a cure-all, but sometimes the unconditional love of an animal can be exactly what we need to start healing. You deserve to feel better. You deserve to be happy. Don’t give up.”
As Shawn Mendes continues his musical journey, his story serves as a powerful reminder that even those who seem to have it all can struggle—and that recovery is possible with the right support, professional help, and perhaps, the loving presence of a four-legged friend.
