Robbie Williams Opens Up About Tourette's and Live Performance Anxiety
ROBBIE WILLIAMS SPEAKS OUT ABOUT SECRET STRUGGLES WITH TOURETTE'S SYNDROME
In a shocking revelation, global superstar Robbie Williams has opened up about his long-held secret: he's been living with Tourette's syndrome for years. The 51-year-old pop icon, known for his chart-topping hits and iconic performances, revealed the news on the latest episode of Paul Whitehouse and Dr Mine Conkbayir's podcast "I'm ADHD! No You're Not".
For Williams, who rose to fame in the early 90s as part of boyband Take That and later went solo, his Tourette's symptoms have been a constant companion. "I've just realised that I have Tourettes," he confessed. "But they don't come out. They are intrusive thoughts that happen... It just doesn't come out."
Despite being surrounded by screaming fans and performing in sold-out stadiums for decades, Williams admits his Tourette's symptoms remain active, causing him immense distress. "Whatever it is inside me cannot hear it," he explained. "I cannot take it in." This candid admission comes as a surprise to fans who have always associated the singer with boundless energy and charisma on stage.
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary sounds and movements, known as tics. Williams' openness about his struggles is a testament to the growing awareness of mental health issues in the entertainment industry. His words of encouragement for others struggling with similar conditions are particularly poignant: "If I can talk openly and honestly about it, then maybe that will help someone else."
Williams has been open about his mental health battles before, having spoken publicly about his ADHD diagnosis and struggles with addiction. However, his recent revelation about Tourette's is a new chapter in the singer's ongoing journey towards self-discovery. "I have a very complicated relationship with touring and performing live," he confessed. "People say, 'Oh, you going on tour? You must be really excited.' Not really. I'm terrified."
The singer's struggles with anxiety are not limited to his performances; he also grapples with the pressures of fame and the expectations that come with it. "I'm terrified," he admitted. "I mask like I'm an Olympian at masking because what I managed to do, to my detriment as well, is I will look full of bravado and look pompous and look smug and do these grand gestures... But actually, what's happening is, I feel like the opposite of that all the time."
Williams' candid conversation about his Tourette's and ADHD diagnoses comes at a pivotal moment in his life. His wife Ayda Field, 46, has been his rock throughout his struggles with mental health, but even her reassurances can't fully alleviate his anxiety. "You might never get to be able to play in a stadium again," she reminds him. "How lucky are you?" Williams admits that these words of encouragement still haven't eradicated his anxieties.
This latest revelation follows the success of Williams' Oscar-nominated film "Better Man", which delved into his struggles with fame, addiction, and impostor syndrome. The movie's CGI portrayal of a chimpanzee serving as a metaphor for Robbie's feelings has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
WILLIAM'S JOURNEY WITH MENTAL HEALTH
The singer's openness about his mental health battles has been a hallmark of his career. In the 90s, he first received an ADHD diagnosis after becoming frustrated with his symptoms. "So the first one was around 2006," Williams recounted. "Where I saw these things, ADHD, on the Internet. I'm like, 'all of those things are me.' Wow." He went on to be diagnosed a further two times, only to forget each subsequent diagnosis.
His struggles with addiction have been well-documented over the years. In his 30s and 40s, Williams has spoken candidly about his struggles with substance abuse, which led him to numerous spells in rehab. "I've been through the wars," he admitted in a recent interview. His ADHD symptoms have also made it difficult for him to cope with the demands of touring.
Williams' latest revelation raises awareness not only about Tourette's syndrome but also about the complexities surrounding mental health diagnoses. By speaking candidly about his experiences, he aims to bring greater understanding and empathy towards those living with similar conditions. As he put it: "I've got autistic traits," he said after taking an online test. "And it's around social stuff, it's about interaction."
The podcast episode marks the beginning of a new series exploring ADHD and related issues. Hosts Paul Whitehouse and Dr Mine Conkbayir have championed awareness-raising campaigns through their platform, previously featuring high-profile guests such as Stephen Fry, Katie Price, Lee Mack, Denise Welch, and Jimmy Carr.
Williams' appearance on "I'm ADHD! No You're Not" is a testament to his commitment to raising awareness about mental health issues. His openness serves as a powerful reminder that even the most public figures can be struggling with their own demons – but also that seeking help and speaking out can lead to healing, growth, and increased understanding.
TALKING TO THE SCHOLARLY NOTE
The recent revelation about Williams' Tourette's diagnosis has sparked widespread interest in mental health awareness. The episode of "I'm ADHD! No You're Not" is available on all podcast platforms every Thursday at 6am.
By sharing his story, Robbie Williams hopes to help others understand the complexities surrounding mental health diagnoses and to reduce stigma around discussing such issues openly.
