#MusicAndHealing

Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay, has chosen candor over bravado. In a heartfelt video recorded after a recent Hong Kong concert, he speaks openly about his battle with depression and offers routines that help him stay grounded. His honesty is driving an international conversation about mental health and helping to reduce stigma for millions of fans worldwide.

For Thai readers, Martin’s openness resonates deeply. In Thailand, as in many parts of Asia, mental health struggles are often stigmatized. Seeking help for depression or anxiety can be seen as a sign of weakness and may risk social repercussions. Yet global research shows mental health disorders, including depression, are leading causes of disability in Thailand. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health indicates a substantial number of Thais live with diagnosed depressive disorders, though under-reporting means the true figure is higher. Public figures speaking openly about mental health can normalize the conversation and encourage help-seeking, according to a Bangkok-based psychologist who notes that celebrity disclosures can reduce shame and increase support-seeking.

Amid flashing lights and roaring stadiums, Chris Martin—frontman of world-renowned band Coldplay—has chosen vulnerability over bravado. In a heartfelt Instagram video recorded after Coldplay’s recent concert in Hong Kong, Martin openly discussed his personal battle with depression, offering advice and resources to his millions of fans. “I’ve noticed that some people lately, including myself, are struggling a little bit with depression,” he shared, before detailing routines and strategies that have helped him navigate these difficult emotions. The British singer’s honesty has sparked an international conversation on the lived realities of mental illness, further destigmatizing a topic that affects millions yet is still often shrouded in shame and silence.