Pop star Ed Sheeran opened up about a period of intense emotional pain following the losses of close friends in 2022. In a candid conversation with Rolling Stone, he disclosed that he considered ending his life during those dark times, revealing the gravity of his struggle and the toll it took on his mental health.
On February 20, 2022, Sheeran faced the death of his best friend, Jamal Edwards, a 31-year-old music producer known for his work in shaping modern music culture. The news shook the singer, who described feeling overwhelmed by grief and a cascade of memories. He recalled how stress seemed to track back through years, resurfacing painful moments when he was teased about his glasses, red hair, and stutter as a child. The weight of those memories pressed in, threatening to overwhelm him even as he carried on with his creative life.
Shortly after, another tragedy struck with the loss of Australian athlete Shane Warne, a figure who had stood in Sheeran’s orbit as a powerful presence in the world of sport and entertainment. Amid the grief, Sheeran spoke about the sense of exhaustion that accompanies long sorrow—how it can dull motivation, blur joy, and create a feeling of being unable to breathe. He emphasized that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness but a crucial step toward relief and healing, noting that talking to someone outside one’s own circle can provide perspective and relief from guilt and isolation.
In reflecting on those experiences, Sheeran also referred to the role of therapy and professional support in confronting mental health challenges. He recalled moments when opening up to a clinician or counselor offered a way to process trauma and stress without judgment, contrasting the stigma that sometimes surrounds seeking psychological care with the real-world benefits of professional guidance. The message conveyed was clear: reaching out, naming the pain, and accepting help can make a profound difference in one’s overall well-being.
Among the ongoing conversations about mental health in the media and among public figures, Sheeran’s transparency stands as a reminder of the human vulnerability that accompanies fame, success, and personal loss. It highlights a broader cultural shift toward prioritizing emotional health, breaking down barriers to therapy, and recognizing that resilience often requires assistance beyond self-reliance. The narrative also underscores the importance of acknowledging grief and its impact on daily life, even for those who appear outwardly confident and successful.
As he has continued his career, Sheeran has kept the focus on music and artistry while also advocating for mental health awareness. His experience underscores that feelings of despair can affect anyone, regardless of achievements, and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. By sharing his story, he joins a growing chorus of voices that normalize conversations about suicidal thoughts, grief, and the paths to recovery—paths that can lead toward a renewed sense of purpose and a safer, healthier mind.