Simon Cowell Gets Real About Therapy Journey: “Weight Has Lifted Off My Shoulders”
Trae Patton/NBCUniversal Reading Time: 2 minutes
Despite years of struggle in depression, music mogul Simon Cowell was doubtful and embarrassed to try psychotherapy. Now though, after he’s seen “super positive” effects, he regrets seeking professional help later in life.
Simon Cowell Says the Pandemic Pushed Him to Seek Therapy
During his appearance on The Mirror’s Men in Mind podcast, Cowell took the time to open up about seeking mental health therapy for the first time. According to the America’s Got Talent executive, the pandemic was the “real catalyst” that urged him to try counseling.
“In the very, very, very early stages, some friends of mine got really ill [with COVID] and I’m talking about really ill,” he said.
Cowell went on and stated that the COVID made him fearful for the health of his 9-year-old son Eric and fiancée Lauren Silverman. Admitting to feeling “petrified,” Cowell just knew at the time that he needed to aid his mental health. Yet, as a British man, he felt like seeking therapy was too “dramatic” and “over the top.”
Fortunately, Cowell became more enlightened about the subject. Consequently, after serious self-reflection, he started asking his friends where to find a good therapist.
“We’re not all made of steel, and there’s going to be times in our lives where you just need somebody to talk to,” he said.
He Wishes He Could’ve Tried Psychotherapy Sooner
Even when he’s already considering therapy, Cowell said he still thought it wouldn’t be beneficial. Recalling his first meeting with his therapist, Cowell noted that he was initially ashamed.
“I sat down really embarrassed and I said, ‘Look I just don’t know where to start,'” he said. “And within about 20 minutes it was as if I’d known [the therapist] for 10, 20 years, he’d put me so much at ease, and you realize you’re talking to a professional, and they don’t judge you, they listen to you.”
After his first session, counseling began making sense. Regularly attending such has consequently led him to safely process his mental health issues.
“I wish I had done this 10 or 20 years ago,” he said. “It’s like a weight has lifted off my shoulders.”
Now, Cowell is “happy to talk” about therapy, believing that he could encourage others by doing so.
