Katy Perry Opens Up About “Waves of Depression” During Pandemic

Katy Perry is really looking forward to the next chapter in her life. Yet, this otherwise exciting time in her life has been, like it has for so many other women, been impacted by COVID-19—and its negative effect on mental health. In a recent interview, Perry opened up about feeling waves of depression in recent weeks.

Over the weekend, Perry joined SHEIN Together’s live-stream festival and got candid about the state of her mental health. “I would say I have five good days and two days where I just—I cry when I look down at my toes, or I cry when just doing simple tasks,” Perry said in an interview before her performance for the event, which supported the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization. She added, “"I think that a lot of that is probably hormonal.”

While Perry made an effort to understand where her feelings were coming from, she also had a lot to say about how her “new normal” was outside her comfort zone. “You know, I’m not used to being around so many people, all in a confined, small space for so long. I’m used to going all the time. I like my own alone time, and there’s not really anywhere to go for that, besides my car,” she said. “I go to my car a lot—it’s parked outside of my house."

When the host congratulated Perry on her accomplishments and cited her as an inspiration, she jokingly replied, “I know how to do all that—I just don’t know how to iron! Or do my hair. It’s all the small normal things that hit me all at once.”

The singer kept the conversation going on Monday when she wrote in a Tweet, “Sometimes I don’t know what’s worse, trying to avoid the virus or the waves of depression that come with this new norm.”

Many can relate to feeling sad and helpless right now—and hiding in their car—but it’s important to know you’re not alone. If you or someone you know is a mom-to-be during this time, check out our tips on how to deal with rising anxiety.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.