Ariana Grande Opens Up About Mental Health In Upcoming BBC Music Special

Airing 1 November on BBC One, the hour-long special sees Ariana talk to host Davina McCall about her music, life and career to date

Speaking to Davina, Ariana has opened up about her mental health, explaining that her anxiety sometimes causes her to feel “guilty”.

The special will air on BBC One on 1 November at 8pm. Recorded in front a live studio audience, Ariana speaks openly about the issues she has faced.

“I almost feel guilty that I have it [anxiety] because it’s just in your head and it’s just so crazy how powerful it is,” she says.

“You have ups and downs and sometimes you’ll go weeks at a time where you will be crushing it and there will be no anxiety… and then something will happen that can trigger it and then you have a couple of down days.”

Urging people to speak about mental health issues, she also gives credit to her family and friends, who she says have been a massive support.

“The most important thing is to remember that everybody has this. Talk to your loved ones, reach out to people, especially your friends online.

“Reach out to each other.”

Ariana previously revealed she was taking a break from music following ex-boyfriend Mac Miller’s death. However, following the support she received for her recent album ‘Sweetener’ she told fans she was “ready” to head out on tour.

Many of the tracks on the album feature a nod to mental health. ‘Breathin’ for example, despite an upbeat tempo, is actually about anxiety. “You know when you feel like you can’t get a full breath? It’s like the worst feeling in the world,” she told Jimmy Fallon in an earlier interview. “So it’s a song about that feeling.”

The first song released from the album ‘No Tears Left to Cry’ has also been widely interpreted as an anthem of “healing and hope” in the wake of the 2017 Manchester attack, which occurred at Ariana's concert.

‘Get Well Soon’, the final song on the album, is also about anxiety. “When I got home from tour, I had really wild dizzy spells, this feeling like I couldn’t breathe.

“I would be in a good mood, fine and happy, and they would hit me out of nowhere. I’ve always had anxiety, but it had never been physical before. There were a couple of months straight where I felt so upside down.”

Having spoken with friend and fellow artist Pharrell, they wrote the song together. Ariana describes the track as “all the voices in my head talking to one another.”

On being asked to host the special, Davina said: “Ariana Grande is such an incredible talent. She’s very funny and incredibly kind and has achieved so much already in her career. I’m really excited about talking to her, and of course, hearing some of her amazing music.”

Ariana Grande At The BBC will air 1 November on BBC One at 8pm.

Talking about how you feel - whether that be with a friend or professional - can be incredibly powerful. For more information about anxiety and to find a therapist who is right for you, visit Counselling Directory.

Editorial credit: JStone / Shutterstock.com