Bruce Springsteen Opens Up About Early Mental Health Struggles

U.S, Oct 24 : Rock legend Bruce Springsteen has opened up about his long hidden struggles with mental health, recalling the impact of his first breakdown in his younger years. His story is central to his new biopic, Deliver Me from Nowhere, which releases in theatres on October 24.

In a heartfelt interview on The Radio 2 Breakfast Show with actor Jeremy Allen White, who portrays him in the film, Springsteen revealed how mental illness ran in his family but was rarely discussed.

“I was embarrassed to see a psychiatrist,” Springsteen admitted. “Mental illness ran through my family. I had aunts and cousins who were very ill, and we just got used to it. No one got help, there were no medicines or therapy. Everyone just suffered quietly.”

The film captures that difficult chapter of Springsteen’s life, highlighting his emotional turmoil. He praised White for authentically portraying his struggle:

“Jeremy really captures my deterioration then. I didn’t even know what was happening to me. I was lucky because my manager, Jon Landau, had experience with this kind of thing and got me the help I needed.”

Springsteen recalled the shame he felt seeking help, often disguising himself with a baseball cap and dark glasses to avoid being seen entering his psychiatrist’s office.

“Where I grew up, therapy was something you just didn’t talk about,” he explained. “It was forbidden. But now it’s been a big part of my life, for the last half of my life, actually.”

The biopic doesn’t just revisit his musical career but also explores the emotional struggles that shaped the man behind the legend. Springsteen emphasized the importance of speaking openly about mental health in today’s more accepting world:

“I was lucky. Not everyone gets the help they need. But I did.”