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Shirley Manson of Garbage on the evolution of mental health conversations: 'It was sort of taboo'

'When we emerged in 1995, nobody talked about mental health at all'

By Michael CerioJun 25, 2025

Michael Cerio

Michael Cerio is the Managing Editor for Music content and coverage at Audacy. Previously Michael wrote about music and entertainment for CBS in…

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What a time to be alive. Not only are we openly talking about mental health now more than ever, but we get to share this planet with Shirley Manson of Garbage. The ferocious frontwoman recently joined us to talk about the band's new album, Let All That We Imagine Be The Light, and also made time to share some thoughts on mental health and how conversations surrounding the subject have evolved since the band's debut in 1995.

LISTEN NOW: I'm Listening with Shirley Manson

I have seen mental health conversations evolve throughout my career," admits Manson. "The very fact that we're talking about mental health is kind of crazy because when we emerged in 1995, nobody talked about mental health at all."

"It was sort of taboo, quite honestly."

Having traveled the world with her band, Shirley has seen first hand how these conversations have changed over the past 30 years, and also how they change from country to country. "I have seen quite a lot of fluctuations in how certain governments, I guess, choose to focus or not focus on mental health," she reveals. "I'm not going to call anybody out, but my own homeland in Scotland was definitely one of the last countries really to start talking about. How all of us at some point struggle with the weight of the day or we worry about our job or landing a partner in life. I don't know, there's a billion and one things we worry ourselves about and to the point where sometimes we can make ourselves sick."

"It does seem globally in general, there's an awareness now that we are fragile beings and we're not meant to always feel happy and we're not always supposed to feel on top of things, and I think we just have to be a bit more forgiving of ourselves."

It’s okay to not be OK. We know the power of talk can save lives. Audacy's I’m Listening aims to share valuable resources for those who need to connect, heal, and share their own stories. To those who are dealing with mental health issues, understand you 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.

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Shirley Manson of Garbage on the evolution of mental health conversations: 'It was sort of taboo'

'When we emerged in 1995, nobody talked about mental health at all'

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Shirley Manson of Garbage on the evolution of mental health conversations: 'It was sort of taboo'

'When we emerged in 1995, nobody talked about mental health at all'

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