Rick Springfield's Honest Talk About Mental Health

In a recent heartfelt interview, iconic singer Rick Springfield candidly discussed his long-standing struggle with depression, revealing a deeply personal side many fans hadn't seen before. At 68 years old, Springfield shared with SiriusXM's Lori Majewski during a Feedback episode that aired on January 11, his battle with suicidal thoughts. "Last year I was really close to it," he confessed. Springfield went on to reference a song from his upcoming album, The Snake King, titled "Suicide Manifesto," noting that these are thoughts he grapples with regularly.

Springfield explained how he empathizes with those who have lost their lives to suicide, mentioning the late Robin Williams, Chester Bennington, and Chris Cornell. "When I heard about them, I didn’t just think, 'Oh, that’s terrible.' I understood it. I get being that lost and in such unimaginable pain," he said. "It's like a part of who you are, this deep, dark place that sometimes feels inescapable." His honesty sheds light on the often-hidden struggles of mental health, even for someone as accomplished as the "Jessie's Girl" singer.

Press Release: Rick Springfield had to cancel his Regina and Winnipeg shows due to a minor surgery on his arm. Despite the successful repair of a torn tendon, recovery took longer than anticipated. He reassured fans he will resume touring starting September 1 in Vancouver at the PNE. Springfield expressed regret over the inconvenience, stating, "I hope to schedule a new date on another tour soon." – Rick Springfield
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A post shared by Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) on Aug 28, 2017 at 10:57am PDT

Revisiting Past Struggles

Years ago, in his memoir Late, Late at Night, Springfield wrote about his lifelong battle with depression. He revealed a harrowing moment in his youth when, at just 17, he attempted to take his own life. "I tried. Honestly, I don’t know how I survived it, but I did," Springfield told Majewski on Feedback. "Once my kids came along, I made a promise to myself that suicide was no longer an option. No matter how bad I felt, I had to stay strong for them." Now, with his children grown, he admits that the thought still lingers. "It's like having this weight on my shoulders every single day, and it's something I wrestle with constantly," he shared vulnerably.

Springfield is a devoted father to two sons, Liam Springthorpe, 32, and Joshua Springthorpe, 28, with his wife, Barbara Porter. In recent years, he has prioritized his mental health and seeks ways to manage his depression. "I've tried medication like Prozac, and I meditate. Meditation is the one thing that helps me escape that darkness. When I truly focus and meditate, I find peace, even if just for a moment," he explained. "But it's not easy, let me tell you. Some days it feels almost impossible to stay afloat."

Rick with his wife, Barbara, and son Joshua.

Being Honest About His Emotional State

Springfield doesn't shy away from expressing his true feelings. "I’m alive and well. When people ask, 'How are you doing?' I don’t say, 'Great,' because that would be a lie," he admitted. "Sometimes I'll say, 'I’m okay—I’m hanging in there.' And on other days, I’ll be honest and say, 'It’s been a really tough day.' We all put on a social front, but it makes me feel like a liar when I go home and look in the mirror. I think to myself, 'Really, you told someone everything’s great when you’re feeling the exact opposite? That’s not real.'" His transparency offers a powerful message about authenticity and mental health awareness.