Juanes’ career has spanned more than three decades. During that time he has sold more than 16 million albums, accumulates platinum records and countless awards and recognitions that are a sample of his long and successful musical career.
A success that for Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez, his real name, has been far from being a guarantee of happiness.
This was recognized by the Colombian singer in an extensive and emotional publication on his social networks where he delved into his fight against depression.
“Many years have passed to be able to write this,” he commented in the description of the post with a photo of him in black and white.
“It is never too late to understand that mental health is essential for everyone,” he added.
The singer-songwriter had already told on other occasions how difficult it has been for him to face the disease, but he had never shared in such detail the nature of that suffering and how he has managed to get ahead.
“Feeling vulnerable makes me stronger. Being able to talk about my problems and my insecurities openly does not make me a coward or weak. On the contrary, it helps me heal from the soul and be more human ”, were the words with which she opened her reflection on him.
His most human side
Juanes talks about many questions and few answers, he wonders about happiness and the time we spend thinking about it in the future, forgetting to enjoy the present.
“One thing is clear: no one knows for sure about the others,” he wrote.
“Everyone, absolutely everyone, carries a cross, personal sorrow, pain or frustration, regardless of our social class, religion or profession”, he pointed out before referring to the depression he has suffered for many years and giving rise to “a little personal history.
“About 13 years ago, I suffered one of the hardest blows of my life,” he said.
“I was at the height of my career, hundreds of concerts, at first glance a perfect and enviable life. Well, inside I was destroyed, disappointed and tired, ”he recalled speaking at a time when he missed key moments with his children and came to neglect himself.
Juanes believed that he would be able to overcome this situation, but what he did was seek an anesthesia in alcohol to continue.
“The result was worse. I got to such a point of exhaustion that I hated looking in the mirror, listening to my music, seeing myself in a publication and, most painfully, not enjoying being on stage, ”she lamented.
The Colombian singer came to suffer a nervous breakdown that forced him to abruptly stop all his activities to be at home with his children.
“Fortunately, it’s never too late to talk to someone about a problem” and that’s what he did, seek support from his mother, wife, siblings and those closest to him.
Other times
That episode occurred “when it was not normal to talk about depression, much less if you were a successful artist,” Juanes continued, acknowledging that times have changed “and it has become more common to talk openly about these issues.”
“Remember, we can all suffer from depression, and talking about it is a good way to start fighting a silent and powerful disease that can take lives,” was his advice.
The artist accepts that he still hasn’t beaten his depression, but that he handles it much better.
“And I can say that I am happier and more successful than ever before in my life,” feeling proud of the decisions he made in the past to heal himself.
“You also can. Cheer up!” Juanes urged at the end of a publication that has more than three thousand comments and has generated numerous reactions of support.
Keep reading:
* Juanes, talking about his depression, seeks to encourage people to talk about it, because with the right guidance you can lead a full and happy life
* Matt Damon reveals he had depression while filming a movie
* Rising youth suicide rates
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