Liam Payne openly discussed his challenges with celebrity status and mental wellness in the periods leading up to his tragic demise.
Warning: This article includes mentions of suicidal ideation.
The former One Direction member passed away after falling from the third level of a hotel in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, on Wednesday.
Authorities in Argentina have not provided additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding the singer’s fall from the balcony.
The 31-year-old had previously contemplated his life in the spotlight and the solitude and mental health issues he faced during the 2019 Sky program Ant Middleton And Liam Payne: Straight Talking.
Get the latest updates following Liam Payne’s death
“In some specific situations – I consider myself fortunate to still be here, which is something I’ve never truly shared with anyone,” he expressed.
“I can’t delve too deeply into it as I am uncertain of my own feelings. To be honest, I still haven’t found my resolution.”
When Middleton, a former soldier and television personality, mentioned that he had been “on the brink himself,” Payne responded: “You may have gone through similar experiences.”
“There are moments when that type of isolation and constant scrutiny from others weigh heavily. Occasionally, you find yourself thinking, when will this cease?
“That’s nearly taken my life a couple of times.”
Explore further:
Current information regarding Liam Payne’s passing
Payne shared on social media just hours prior to his death
Payne acknowledged that he was “fortunate to be surrounded by truly supportive individuals” who aided him during tough times and emphasized the importance of “discovering an alternative perspective.”
“As you said, when troubles accumulate, that’s when it can become really overwhelming,” he added.
“You must really shift your perspective about it. The only thing you can manage in such a scenario is yourself.”
He articulated his strategy for coping: “Just carry on. Just focus on today.”
“Tackle that portion first, and then there will be another challenge in a few months, a few weeks, or possibly even the next day. You can never truly predict.”
Individuals experiencing emotional distress can reach out to Samaritans for support at 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the United States, contact your local Samaritans branch or call 1 (800) 273-TALK.