The Lead Singer of ‘Imagine Dragons’ Just Opened Up About His Struggles with Depression and Anxiety

Dan Reynolds, the frontman of Imagine Dragons, has always poured raw emotion into his music. Now, he’s getting equally candid offstage. In a recent interview, Reynolds opened up about his ongoing battle with depression and anxiety—mental health challenges he has faced for much of his life but has only recently begun speaking about more openly.

“I used to think that if I ignored it, it would go away,” Reynolds admitted. “But it never did. It just got louder.”

The Grammy-winning artist said that while fame and success brought many opportunities, they also intensified feelings of isolation and pressure. “There’s this idea that if you’re successful, you should be happy. But mental health doesn’t care about your job title or how many people are cheering for you.”

Reynolds revealed that his darkest moments came during the peak of the band’s success. “We were selling out stadiums, topping the charts, and I was miserable inside,” he shared. “I felt like I was living a double life—one for the public, and one in my own head.”

The singer credits therapy, family support, and songwriting as critical tools in his healing process. He also emphasized the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health. “I grew up in a culture where emotions weren’t really talked about, especially for men. We were taught to tough it out, to keep it to ourselves. That silence almost cost me everything.”

Through both his music and activism, Reynolds has become a voice for those struggling in silence. Tracks like “Demons” and “Bleeding Out” carry themes of inner turmoil, which now feel even more personal in light of his revelations.

In recent years, he has used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, especially among youth. He often speaks at events and uses his social media channels to encourage open conversations.

“To anyone out there feeling like they’re alone: you’re not,” Reynolds said. “There’s strength in speaking up. Healing starts when we stop hiding.”

His story is a reminder that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s courage. And by sharing his truth, Reynolds is helping others find the strength to face theirs.