Country Star Lainey Wilson Opened Up About Anxiety and Depression Amid Sudden Fame

The Grammy winner detailed her mental health struggles in a new Netflix documentary.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:04pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked, glittering disco ball reflecting dramatic, moody lighting, conceptually representing the fragility of mental health in the high-stakes entertainment industry.The glittering, high-pressure world of country music stardom can take a heavy toll on an artist's mental well-being, as Lainey Wilson's story reveals.Tuscaloosa Today

Country music star Lainey Wilson, 33, revealed in her new Netflix documentary 'Lainey Wilson: Keepin' Country Cool' that she experienced severe anxiety and depression after her career took off around 2020. Wilson said she had 'several breakdowns' and felt like she was 'losing it' as she struggled to cope with her newfound fame and success. Her manager recalled a scary moment when Wilson called crying from an airport, saying she felt like she was 'losing her mind.' Wilson eventually got her bearings once she felt more secure in her career, with advice from her idol Reba McEntire helping provide perspective.

Why it matters

Wilson's openness about her mental health challenges sheds light on the immense pressures and stresses that can come with sudden fame and success, even for talented artists at the top of their field. Her story highlights the importance of prioritizing mental wellbeing and seeking support, especially as young artists navigate the rapid changes that can accompany a breakout moment in their careers.

The details

In the documentary, Wilson, 33, recalled how 'everything I'd ever dreamed about kinda happened all at once' around 2020, causing her to feel extreme anxiety and depression. She said she was 'probably finding my self-worth' in her work, which caused her to neglect her personal life. Wilson described having 'several breakdowns' where she felt like she was 'losing it' and 'not gonna come back' from a days-long panic attack. Her manager Mandelyn Monchick recalled a scary moment when Wilson called crying from an airport, saying she felt like she was 'losing her mind.' Wilson eventually regained her footing after realizing her career was on more solid ground, with advice from Reba McEntire helping provide perspective.

  • In 2020, Wilson's career took off and she began experiencing severe anxiety and depression.
  • In the documentary, Wilson described having 'several breakdowns' over a period of 'a couple years' as she struggled with her newfound fame.

The players

Lainey Wilson

A 33-year-old country music star who opened up about her mental health struggles in a new Netflix documentary.

Mandelyn Monchick

Wilson's manager, who recalled a scary moment when Wilson called crying from an airport, saying she felt like she was 'losing her mind.'

Reba McEntire

A country music icon who provided Wilson with advice that helped her gain perspective during her mental health challenges.

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What they’re saying

“I had several … several breakdowns, I guess you could say. I was just losing it. I was like, 'I don't know if I can go any further.'”

— Lainey Wilson, Country Music Star

“I thought I was not gonna come back from that either. It was a solid panic attack for, like, multiple days. And I had played shows and everything while I was having the panic attack. It was terrifying. It was a chemical imbalance happening. I was, like, spiraling out of control.”

— Lainey Wilson, Country Music Star

“I said, 'This is a loaded question, but what do you do when you feel like you can't go any further?' And she said, 'I do it for somebody else.' And that right there has put so much in perspective for me. I get on that stage and I do it for other people.”

— Lainey Wilson, Country Music Star

What’s next

Wilson's new Netflix documentary 'Lainey Wilson: Keepin' Country Cool' is set to debut on April 22, 2026, providing fans a deeper look into her personal journey.

The takeaway

Lainey Wilson's candid account of her mental health struggles amid sudden fame underscores the immense pressures and challenges that can come with overnight success, even for talented artists at the top of their field. Her story highlights the importance of prioritizing wellbeing and seeking support, especially as young creatives navigate rapid changes in their careers.