'My mental health is a positive part of me' | Owen Jones meets Olly Alexander

Olly Alexander is the frontman of Years & Years and an actor with roles in films including The Riot Club. He told me about the treatment he has received, including counselling, therapy and a ‘cocktail of drugs’ to control his depression and anxiety. He says over the years he has built a strong support network and come to view his mental health as a positive part of his character.
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[@YugeYun]

He's so precious. So genuine, sensitive and intelligent. I really like that this generation is becoming more accepting and open about different struggles.

[@Belacroix5]

I absolutely love Olly, not only as a talented singer but as a great person too. Many celebrities don't talk about their mental health because they know it a damage their careers so I believe him opening up to the media is brave. I loved his brown curly hair too, I'm sad he changed it.

[@keira2560]

YES! 100% with u!!

[@lina-sx1pt]

his hair is brown now

[@loannghiem6544]

totally agree with you! I love the old Olly

[@AmeliaPond1994]

I've been suffering from depression since the age of 11 and I'm 21 now and have recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Like Olly I wouldn't change my mental health because even though the lows can be unbearable the highs are my creative peak. Music helps and discovering Years and Years have infinitely changed my life for the better.

[@92Tiberius]

+Amelia Healy Take care buddy

[@Carmina2005]

I know exactly what you mean, it is so rewarding and comforting when you have that creative peak. Nevertheless, it is dangerous to think that mental health problems is what makes you creative. Creativity is inherent, a mental health problem is not its cause but a chance for it to come out. And a tool to fight the demons. Even if the demons leave, the tool remains, so you can get better and still be creative. Then you'll have a whole new bunch of sources of inspiration.

[@wonderwoman5528]

I wish you well in all your creative endeavours:)

[@pinky-ud1rt]

I know its been 5 years since your comment hun but i hope yout doing ok bless you keep safe xx

[@Fantasyshell]

Good on Olly for being true to himself and being courageous enough to talk about it. I suffer from clinically diagnosed depression as well as many of my friends and in my own personal experience with the health system and in society I've felt discriminated against just because I have an illness... it's not an obvious illness that can you physically see on the outside but it's still debilitating and that people still don't treat it seriously or support the people suffering from mental distress is something that needs to be addressed. It's that same lack of support and understanding that has led to many mentally depressed people dying.

[@Veronica-wi3tb]

True. and yes, depression and anxiety are not "visible" and are not a mere weakness or sensitivity. They cannot be eliminated simply by "pulling yourself todether". And also many people hide them because they are afraid other people would avoid them or consider them mad or smth. These issues should be spoken about and respected.

[@wonderwoman5528]

He was brilliant in *It’s A Sin* He is so talented.

[@pinky-ud1rt]

Deffernatly hun 😊

[@emilyhancock3456]

Olly seems like such a lovely person and it's really brave and wonderful of him to speak so openly about his mental health struggles

[@nickrhoades]

Possibly two of the worst people in the world in one room.

[@nige1rumsey]

I have huge respect for anyone able to talk about their mental health in public. Well done Olly, I wish you all the very best.

[@neknarf1973]

Thanks to Owen Jones for doing this difficult talk with him. You're very impressive too for doing this.

[@shitguy7615]

Wow how did you get this interview. Owen is killing it .

[@earthworm4255]

It takes so much courage to share vulnerability. Thanks for supporting the strength of including vulnerability.

[@TigerPrawn_]

Thank you. Just thank you. peace x

[@FR-dn2in]

this interview came out the day before i planned going to my doctor telling him i want to go to therapy. i was still very nervous and scared, but hearing olly talk openly about this kinda stuff made me feel more okay about my feelings and that i wasnt so weird for it. my first appointment is in two weeks :,) thx olly

[@TheBassHeavy]

Fantastic chat from you and him. He has loads of young fans he can help by being so brave!

[@s.f.694]

Great interviewer! I applaud Olly and the interviewer for talking about these matters.

[@danacoulson9730]

I'm so proud of Olly, it must be so hard to talk about mental health and he did such a great job. Great interview! Xx

[@elainequinnmulryan7152]

Thanks so much, Olly. You're such a generous guy to give that interview. You've helped a lot of people because talking about being bullied or having anxiety or trying to cope with things by internalising might stop someone feeling such despair they give up and take their lives. Talking and sharing is what makes people realise they're not abnormal freaks and things really do get better once you start talking.

[@Noellenc]

Just another reason to love Olly. He's such an honest, endearing celeb. I hope this helps somebody who's struggling.

[@richardjoines1661]

Great interview Owen. Mental health is a subject that I have really only started to learn more about, and I have realised that so much work is needed to lift the lid and remove the stigma associated with mental health issues. Please keep up the good work. Much respect, Richard Joines.

[@Julia-2709]

olly alexander, you are so amazing ,you use your time and your celebrity stauts to raise awareness for important subjects like LGBTplus and mental health.Mental health is an extremly important subject in my life and people like you give me strength

[@witch3498]

Thank you!

[@howardsmithson5918]

Thank you Olly for putting into words what I feel about my life, I am 64 and just completely come out but it’s almost too late so I am still depressed.

[@niigatablue]

Good work, Owen and Olly.

[@lk2001mk]

THANK YOU OLLY

[@joshuavaughan8510]

Great video. You behave so admirably Owen. Keep being awesome. Cheers!

[@sneaksbyalfresco1561]

Thank you, amazing episode.

[@susiehowey1057]

Well done Olly, being so honest. You are a shining example. Well done. ☀️

[@sophiew1967]

A huge 'well done' and a personal big THANK YOU ( from an oldie;) to the incredible young people especially on the LGBTQ community for being so open about their mental health struggles ,bullying and family rejection too ( this 53 year old has experienced all 3 in my time too ) I rdalised only yesterday that I have been on anti depressants sine 1992! .I just wish more than anything we could have been 'open' in our struggles in my younger days and coming from a tough town in the north of England it wws so incredibly difficult to be your authentic self and even getting counselling was very difficult on the NHS in tbose days.I have worked in mental health myself and have been on both 'sides' of the spectrum as a mental health support worker and a patient ,just glad its given me the incite not to judge others. Well done to you Olly ,you're a tru ly delightful person and I'm just about to wa tch 'It's a Sin ' on Channel 4 and relive some of my younger days in more colourful clubs in Liverpool and Manchester in the 80's !lol

[@milenaneycheva8284]

*Incredibly proud of you, angel ♡ I hope the worst is in the past. Keep being strong. I love you!*

[@nicolemoen3432]

I'm so grateful he chose to talk about this. For a lot of people it's a private struggle or we feel like it's something we sometimes can't talk about but it is a very common illness and a lot of people know someone who either has depression or anxiety/something along those lines. It feels good to know other people struggle with it. It also feels good to know people who can still be successful people with it. Thanks Olly.

[@Lindseyjeweet]

I love this, so open and honoust! Good job on this interview 🙌🏻

[@CassieSmyth]

Thank you for these videos and discourse Owen and team.

[@pinky-ud1rt]

Olliy gotta love him great singer and actor what a great guy bless him xx i suffer from mental health i have ptsd so im glad he speaks out about it x

[@joshuahendren2976]

I love you so much Olly ❤️ You're so inspirational

[@shaunacummins9983]

thank u Olly u have saved my life I suffer from really bad anxiety disorder and panic attacks . I was also in a day hospital for 7 months .I also had issues with food x thanks u for opening up I love u olly 💕

[@Veronica-wi3tb]

Such an informative and sincere and "cozy" interview. thank you Olly and Owen. You were brilliant.☺ This is important to share the information on mental health issues with people because those who've never had them should know that these things exist and being a part of our health & our life, should be given proper attention and treatment. To neglect your depression and panic attacs is so wrong. Please, guys if you are going through any of these problems don't be scared of them & do not procrastinate and see a specialist. Olly you are a fighter.

[@mightyturnip4737]

I got bullied a lot at school. And suffered from social anxiety issues. I think talking about it on the internet helps a bit. Im not sure if I suffered from depression or not. I feel tired quite a lot, although the social anxiety seems to have mainly gone away. My theory on depression would be that it is caused by other people controlling you. For example bullying/ overcontrolling parents. And feeling trapped and unable to do anything about it. But I dont have any real evidence for this.

[@ChrispyNut]

+mighty turnip The cause appears to vary from one individual to the next. It's a coping mechanism of the mind possibly (though a pretty bad one) and can therefore be triggered by a variety of influences. If it was about other people controlling us, well, we'd all be depressed as we're controlled by external forces, we are slaves in this current system. Don't get much more controlling than that.

[@paultrevorbale2440]

+mighty turnip The psychological definition of depression is anger turned in on yourself. Now struggling over your sexuality and hearing so much bad mouthing of anybody who is not "of the norm" or "different" is enough to make anyone angry and if there is nowhere for that to go... Add to that all the other stuff the world throws at you and it is easy to get depressed if your anger has no outlet. Happened to me a lot..

[@ChrispyNut]

I like how you put that, thanks Paul Trevor Bale

[@gregorydoyle4804]

+mighty turnip This sounds like complex PTSD. Where depression, social anxiety, feeling trapped, fatigued, helpless are just a few of the symptoms (natural emotional scars) and the narcissistic parents/ bullying is the cause. Very common and it can be helped, although doctors can make you feel worse because they do not understand. Complex PTSD is not in the DSM. "Traumatized people are not suffering from a disease in the normal sense of the word- they have become stuck in an aroused state. It is difficult if not impossible to function normally under these circumstances.”

[@rackasheli]

This man is amazing for doing this!!

[@luketomlinson5129]

owen you are a 10/10 mate

[@ChrispyNut]

+Luke Tomlinson You mean he looks 10.. Sorry, it wouldn't be an Owen Jones comment thread without that 'hysterical' joke :)

[@Samchocolate11]

+Darren Bywater what are the "some political views" of his you disagree with?

[@computerlad8458]

+Samchocolate11 his views on the rights of the unborn child

[@ChrispyNut]

That, they shouldn't outway the rights of the parents - who are actually people rather than parasites Computer Lad?

[@LIAMODEARME01]

I looooooved this video, I'm so glad he open up about this. We shouldnt keep it all bottled up.

[@MattyBinns1]

A thought provoking video. The difficulties of coming to terms with sexuality, with mental distress. Deserves many views. Thanks.

[@wehatethesamethings3583]

It was a 6month process for me to get group therapy on the NHS for my OCD. I started this KZbin channel while I waited to capture my journey. - I'm only gonna have a few one on one sessions more and I'm dreading them coming to an end. - Great vid Owen!!!! Xxx

[@princesspentagram3458]

We Hate The Same Things Thank you for making your channel it has really helped me a lot and I realise I'm not alone now

[@annaoggier9340]

GO OLLY! i just found out about you on a site and i am glad i did@!! this is great!!!

[@jamiedevlin9459]

He's so inspirational

[@neknarf1973]

He's very brave talking about this personal stuff. Admiration and respect !!!!!!

[@hirdy161]

That guy seems great, gonna try out his music now

[@Gooner184]

Awesome interview. Keep it up!

[@manaralmogbel9019]

Thank you so so so so much this video really helps

[@adrianach.2568]

Olly is such an amazing person!!!

[@viickiimc]

I used to have depression from being young had it for years came on just out of nowhere lost my best mate, I have cut myself for years so glad iv not had an episode for quiet a while! didnt know my favourite singer had depression so sad! :( awww my baby!

[@annabarr1304]

I've interviewed Olly before and he was the nicest most authentic person I've ever interviewed. He made it quite clear that he was a huge sci-fi fan. Now that he's acting, I hope we see him in some great sci-fi!

[@johnking5174]

Lucky you, I would love to meet Olly. He always comes across as the most sweetest young man around, who has not allowed fame and fortune get to his head.

[@nickrhoades]

Being authentic isnt an attribute. Hes an authentic fool.

[@123brownjames]

Olly is amazing when you consider how much he's struggled with his mental health and he's still producing chart topping records.......brilliant

[@stachiano]

I had no idea, bless him. Lovely to know I'm not alone.

[@MrKalvinC]

Thank you for doing that video. It is so important. And male mental health difficulties is so far down the list. In Manchester we pretty much no longer have a mental health service except for the most severe policing of the most severe ill people - those that have devastating needs that are not causing a danger are simply ignored. I had anorexia for 20 years. I really came very close to dying when I slit my wrists (in London because I had once again been denied treatment). I asked to see someone a couple of years ago - said it was urgent - I was given an appointment in six months' time. I decided that if they are that overstretched they would not have time for me. This has been confirmed by the collapse of Greater Manchester's mental health trust last year. Those in need are now ignored because there is no money left in the kitty. Las time this happened was when Thatcher was in government. So thank you Owen. When we meet up I will defo buy you a pint.

[@jordanhunt4867]

I can so relate to this, I have personal problems too, and life can be really hard sometimes

[@georgesimmonett6012]

What a nice and articulate young man. Good interview

[@laurafreeman-dalton6273]

The waiting list for talking therapies on the NHS in my area, East Devon, in 2014 for me, and I was deeply suicidal, was two years. I was lucky enough that my mum had the financial ability, as well as understanding or the 'want' to understand, to pay for me to go private, which had its own problems as it took six months and trying three different therapists before I met a fourth, whom I have been seeing for about ten months now.

[@serenapoblano8784]

My idol, is suffering through the same thing i am, i never knew. Im sorry Olly, and im sorry to all those kids with depression

[@ternitamas]

such a fighter and role model, I admire him!

[@vanjamihajlovic1605]

I love him so much!

[@Shazia44]

Fab interview. It's so important to discuss mental health to remove the stigma, particularly in men who have it much worse as suicide rates indicate.

[@dinahadjitofi6204]

OIlly you are BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@Miriel-pf9xj]

Olly Alexander you are so precious for me!

[@BJUK]

Owen (and especailly Olly) great open conversation on an issue that shouldn't be hidden and should be treated on an equal basis as physical health.

[@MarkPMus]

What a brave soul.

[@nabilajulian7238]

i love him so much he's so precious

[@airlinephoto]

Brilliant! Help is always available. But you must seek it out!

[@David-pt8ge]

Really good video and he is absolutely right about the lack of mental health provision. It is shocking at the level of cuts and how they affecting some of the most vulnerable in society.

[@musclerent]

Great interview, personal and very touching. I think you should forget the politics Owen...you have a greater gift x

[@inaya6086]

TWO FAVOURITE PEOPLE OMG. OVERLOAF

[@ohsorandomer3518]

+Innyisms S definition overloaf: an abundance of BREEAADD

[@smqartful]

His role in Penny Dreadful got me interested in Olly. He did a fantastic job in his role. Then I discovered Years & Years and now this. He seems like a real person with a brave soul inside. I want to give him a hug...probably a smoochie smooch too!

[@feli7214]

I'm feeling with You Olly 😭 You're so gorgeous !!! ❤️

[@susanmorgan9074]

I just want to give him a hug, you could tell he wanted to cry

[@pharaohqueen]

Loving you Olly X

[@zofia608]

i love him more now

[@mouthguard17]

I do cbt I loved this it was beautiful

[@daniellightfoot5371]

in owe of this guy what a inspiration to people who are in ashamed to talk about there issues and what a nice smile :)

[@LetticeTravels]

Nice interview. Olly seems very nice.

[@ashleyartus]

Olly you are a legend.x

[@bellena8883]

I love olly so so much!!!!!!!

[@ChrispyNut]

Important subject, thanks for the continuing to cover it gents. Brave lad, good on him speaking up and trying to help others. I'm curious if he's tried psychedelics, there's an increasing amount of evidence that they can be hugely beneficial to people with the kinds of mental health issues being described (when taken in the right environment, tripping ya balls off for a night with mates doesn't really count).

[@GOSMGR1]

An enlightened employer will provide counselling and professional help for their employees. There's a lot more that can be done here in addition to resourcing mental health provision properly within the NHS.

[@markbunn8051]

I am 40 gay, and was diagnosed last year as suffering with depression. I am now on medication, and have had great treatment from my GP. Olly is right especially about the bit about just wanting to lay in bed. Every day is a fight, I have good days and bad days. Great Interview from Owen.

[@georgejohnking]

Good work Owen

[@taracochran-patrick784]

This is really good great he's talking bout it

[@JL-uw8xm]

my mother suffered from extreme anxiety, had a phobia of walking alone outside, post natal depression and was crazy (and I mean that in the literal sense) I swear to God I made a promise with myself that ill never be that, but I repressed it so long. I had a mental breakdown in the middle of a presentation in work....shit, I legit went batshit crazy....I remember in the middle of my attack...I was thinking "rose calm down...." But my point is get help fast!

[@zuziarozia3868]

i cant believe i hadn;t found this before

[@deccarose2133]

I think it has become worse when I was thirteen and suffering from anxiety five years ago I saw a counsellor within a week, last spring I developed depression and suicidal ideation but was put on a twelve week waiting list. Something has to be done.

[@georgiacarr2599]

The waiting list for even just an assessment in my area is 50 weeks. It's ridiculous. I've had lots and lots of experience with mental health issues and this sort of waiting list is horrendous when you need help. I'm 17 and I've been in and out of services for over 5 years, and everything is just getting worse in terms of provision. If I broke my leg, I wouldn't be told to wait for a year before getting a cast put on. I HATE that mental health is not seen as equal to physical health.

[@han5234]

I had to wait 9 months for therapy on the NHS after a suicide attempt, and even then it wasn't CBT (which I'd really fought for, and which would have been the most helpful for my OCD and anxiety) and was just given 6 sessions of talk therapy and told that if I didn't take the antidepressants I'd been prescribed (which I'd previously had a bad reaction to, so had good reason to be wary of) I'd be discharged from the service. I was treated like an invalid and a liar by the people who worked there, who clearly had no respect for patients suffering from mental health issues. The whole ordeal honestly made me feel even worse and really shook my confidence. Thankfully I've been able to pay for private treatment but I worry so much about those who can't afford that option and who get knocked back or made to feel like shit after working up the courage to speak to someone. This is the effect that government cuts are having on the NHS.

[@gamingmspqueenxoxo8279]

I have depression and anxiety aswell😞😔

[@coolscube5062]

i understand lot of what Olly saying i was bullied too

[@shirakawanaoya]

Olly, what you experienced it not sleep paralysis. But you know this already. Love your music man. :) Keep the good work with your team.

[@nonnyunited556]

+Eric Xavier you mean some kind of spirit, don't you? Actually he is spiritualist he can see ghost and heard some voice but not sure it's from his illness or else tho. coz some people believe but some people do not.

[@shirakawanaoya]

+Olly Mybae Yes. Its easy to notice he is quite sensitive. It doesnt come from illness, you are born with it.

[@djm4z]

+Eric Xavier oh shut up its textbook sleep paralysis

[@shirakawanaoya]

Im not asking for your textbook definition, nor your rude opinion for that matter.

[@djm4z]

+Eric Xavier don't parade your derranged superstitious views over the comment section and you wont get them.

[@dani15062002]

I love olly alexander :)

[@justintai8725]

Should have given the guy a hug at the end. It was a bit awkward, I felt like the guy wanted to give him a hug, but I guess with the world problem right now, hugs are banned! . But great video! Really really helpful! Thank you so much for the upload.

[@davidc2936]

This was filmed in 2016

[@johnking5174]

Owen probably felt it was not right, as he doesn't know Olly, and hugging someone whom you don't know can be embarrassing.

[@lucycurtis2075]

im 12 and I'm going through the self harm

[@IrisTheobald-fh7ke]

I have struggled with my anxiety and mental health

[@wildreed21]

I think there's something to be said about the backstabbing, deceitful, antagonistic, petulant, psychological/emotional bullying that is deeply ingrained in English culture (and in countries based on English culture). This likely has a proportional relationship with the incidence (prevalence) of mental health issues in those countries. Despite the extreme adversity I've faced, I can't say that I suffered mental health issues until I moved from the US to a country with strong ties to the UK... I knew before I moved from America that the savagery commonly found there as part of common culture involved violence (on the street and at the hands of Police), in addition to corruption which leads to oppression. I knew that in English cultures that savagery is more in the form of emotional and psychological attacks, including more widespread and deep rooted bullying culture, hyper-competition (the unhealthy kind), micro-aggression, and other forms of negativity in one form or another in most all interactions. Where in America you can expect to be attacked by fists, in an English country you can expect to be attacked mentally/emotionally. This is where the distress comes from. Anywhoodle, just wanted to say that. Now back to watching in slo-mo and plotting the floor plan of his flat...

[@jaredwenvent]

What a sweet guy. I totally empathize with falling for your straight best friend. Story of my life.

[@andrewthornton6192]

A great positive guy and very relatable despite his fame and obvious talent, a total inspiration for people with MH issues and how anyone can be treated.........the other is Owen Jones

[@millennialanimal]

I'm mentally ill and it's definitely not a positive part of me I'd give it up for anything I don't have a life thanks to it I have no problem talking about it but I think it's dangerous to act like it can be a good thing because it won't work out for everyone like it has for this lad you interviewed just look at the suicide rates yes it can be a great "creative tool" but for most people its not, for most people its a death sentence.

[@WestYorkshireGREAT]

Yeah I agree I don't see my depression and anxiety as positive. At first it was my moods being extremely high one day then extremely low the other day. I went to my local gp he put me on anti depressants they worked for about a year and now my anxiety has come creeping back. Not being able to stop thinking about work I need to catch up on 24 hours a day it is the worst when I am behind or I have to take a day of College.

[@wildreed21]

+Mermaid Motel Yeah, Olly needs to call me and try my medicine stick. They call me the medicine man.

[@___7576]

+West Yorkshire I see medication like that, is an cover up. You try to get to the root of the problem. And find different ways to deal with it. Instead of just popping pills.