by Michael Bublé is one of the most beloved and talented singers in the world today. His smooth vocals and charm have captivated audiences for over 20 years. However, behind his happy-go-lucky persona, Bublé has struggled with debilitating panic attacks that have significantly impacted his daily life.
Bublé first started experiencing panic attacks in his early 20s, right around the time his career was starting to take off. He recalls having his first major panic attack while dining out with friends. He started sweating, his heart was racing, and he felt like he was going to die. He had to excuse himself from the table and it took him several hours to calm down.
From that point on, the panic attacks became more frequent. Some days he would have multiple attacks, making it almost impossible for him to leave his home. He describes the panic attacks as ‘all-encompassing’, taking over his whole body in a terrifying way. He never knew when one would strike.
As his music career progressed and he started touring around the world, the panic attacks made it very difficult for Bublé to travel and perform. He struggled with crippling anxiety about having an attack on stage or while flying. There were times he had to cancel shows or alter his touring schedule because his panic attacks were so severe.
In interviews, Bublé has been open about how difficult it was in the early 2000s to keep up the happy-go-lucky persona his fans knew and loved while inside he was struggling with intense panic. There were many dark days where he never thought he’d be able to get control over the attacks.
Panic attacks often caused Bublé to isolate himself and avoid activities or situations where he thought he might have an attack. For years, he refused to take the subway or go to the shopping mall. He stopped dining out at restaurants, a place where he’d often get panic attacks. He also avoided going to places that were too crowded. The fear of having an attack in public was paralyzing.
Bublé also had to turn down many career opportunities such as TV guest appearances and collaborations with other artists because his panic attacks made it too difficult to commit to anything that required leaving his home. There was a period of time where the attacks were so frequent and severe that Bublé considered walking away from his music career entirely.
In addition to impacting his career, the panic attacks took a toll on Bublé’s relationships. He had to cancel plans with friends at the last minute when he felt a panic attack coming on. This caused strain with loved ones who didn’t fully understand the extent of his mental health struggles. The isolation Bublé experienced also led to depression.
Panic attacks made simple tasks like grocery shopping extremely difficult for Bublé. The fear of having an attack in the supermarket filled him with terrible anxiety. RUNNING EVEN THE MOST BASIC ERRANDS BECAME A HUGE SOURCE OF DREAD. There were times Bublé could not even leave his home for weeks due to the severity of his panic disorder. It significantly impacted his quality of life.
According to Bublé, one of the hardest parts of living with panic attacks was watching his wife suffer because of it. When he had attacks, he knew it frightened her and put a strain on their relationship. Not being able to take her out to dinner or join her at social events took a huge emotional toll. The guilt Bublé felt about his panic attacks affecting loved ones made the disorder even more difficult to handle.
In 2016, when Bublé’s oldest son Noah was diagnosed with cancer, his panic attacks intensified. The extreme stress of having a sick child sent Bublé into an emotional tailspin. He describes having almost constant panic attacks at the time. It was one of the lowest points of Bublé’s life. Even happy moments like Noah’s recovery were shrouded by intense anxiety.
After seeking professional treatment, Bublé did learn to better manage his panic attacks through therapy and medication. However, it took years to get the right balance. He had to slowly face his fears and retrain his brain through cognitive behavioral techniques. There were many setbacks along the way, but he kept trying new treatments until he found a regimen that worked for him.
These days, Bublé still experiences occasional panic attacks, but he has the tools to prevent them from taking over his life. He knows how to calm himself down faster and how to catch his anxiety before it escalates into a full blown panic attack. He also relies heavily on close friends and family for support on difficult days.
Bublé no longer feels compelled to hide his mental health struggles. He has bravely shared his story to help others dealing with panic attacks feel less alone. He wants people to know that while panic disorder is manageable, the road to recovery involves a lot of work and commitment. There is hope even during the darkest days.
While he still has to make certain adjustments because of his panic disorder, Bublé can now enjoy his life again. He is able to fully participate in his successful career and savor special moments with his family. Bublé wants people to know that with the right treatment, those suffering from panic attacks can go on to live fulfilling lives. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Bublé’s story shows the immense toll panic attacks can take on a person’s life and relationships. From impacting his ability to perform and travel to straining his marriage and friendships, Bublé’s experience demonstrates how all-consuming panic disorder can be. For years, he struggled to find joy in life as the constant fear of having a panic attack weighed him down.
However, Bublé’s bravery in seeking help and speaking openly about his panic disorder has inspired so many who can relate to his story. While his road to recovery was long, he now serves as a symbol of hope. He proves that those struggling with panic attacks can take control of their life back. Bublé shows the world that you can accomplish great things even while coping with mental health challenges. His story touches the lives of many.
