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Pete Townshend has opened up about his battle with “chemical depression” in a new interview. The legendary guitarist and songwriter of The Who even went as as far to reveal that he’s “actually suicidal” upon waking up each morning.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer told The Sunday Times that he used to see a therapist in the 1980s, but he now copes with his depression by writing in journals, among other tactics.
“After the third year [of therapy], I realized that the woman counseling me had only said about three words,” said Townshend. “I was just listening to myself. So now I just write journals. Every morning I rebuild myself in a sense with tea and coffee, and a few vitamin pills.”
He continued, “When I first wake up I’m suicidal, actually suicidal,” adding that he prefers to get up between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., explaining, “I’m still in the state that I was the day before.” Even with that strategy, he still needs a half hour to rid himself of the suicidal thoughts.
“I have a couple of cups of tea, two digestive biscuits — apparently equal to 17 sugar lumps — and I feel happy,” he added. “If I start my journals before I have my cup of tea, I’ll paint a very bleak picture of my life. Despite the fact that I have everything that I want and everything that I need … And I have had a really extraordinary life.”
The 79-year-old Townshend, who has also struggled with alcoholism, has been sober for more than four decades. However, he said he’s hesitant to share his own tips regarding mental health issues. “I think because of social media in particular, the way that we carelessly share not only our anxieties but also perhaps our solutions,” explained the guitarist. “We’re a bit careless about that because what works for me won’t necessarily work for you.”
The Who legend made headlines earlier this month when he said “someone needs to occasionally slap Rick Rubin” when discussing the producer’s creative methods. And last month, he also caught the attention of fans when he said that The Who would return in 2025.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741
English (US) · 