Kelsea Ballerini is showing fans the power of therapy by revealing her own experiences.
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In a recent cover story for Women’s Health, Ballerini opened up about her experiences with therapy - both good and uncomfortable. The 31-year-old shared she was first placed in court-mandated therapy sessions to help navigate her parents’ divorce at the age of 12 and again as a teen after witnessing a shooting at her high school in Knoxville, TN.
While good intentions were there, Ballerini shared it wasn’t until she went to therapy on her own terms at the age of 24 that she really felt the impact. “Being a Virgo, being very strong-willed, especially when it comes to things that are tender, like mental health, I need to feel like it’s my decision,” she shared before reflecting on her court-mandated sessions. “I was young and I was sad and confused, and I didn’t want to talk to a stranger that someone else was making me talk to.”
In her mid-twenties, Kelsea sought therapy on her on terms after feeling really “removed” and “different.”
“I’d been on the road for four years, and I was exhausted,” she shared. “I was married and I was looking around at all my friends who have 9-to-5 jobs and still live in my hometown, and I was realizing I felt really removed, really different.”
She continued, “I was starting to have questions like, ‘What is driving me? Is missing Mom’s birthday worth it? Am I okay? And am I happy?’ I couldn’t answer these fundamental questions I should have been able to answer, so I got back into therapy, by my choice, and fell in love with it.”
More than five years later and Ballerini hasn’t looked back as she says therapy is still regular part of her life and helps her maintain balance, happiness and keep things in perspective.
“I’m happy, and I’m in control of that happiness,” she expressed. “I feel grateful to have the people in my life that I do and to be able to put out a record on this level and play the rooms that I’ve always wanted to and also go home to my dogs.”
Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here.