Shawn Mendes Says He Constantly Feels Like He's ‘Either Flying or Drowning’ in Open Letter To Fans

like he's constantly “either flying or drowning” and is worried that if people know the truth they “might think less of” him.

“I’m afraid that if people know and see the truth they might think less of me. They might become bored of me,” he said. “So in those moments of feeling low I either put on a show or hide. The truth, in current form is a 23 year old who constantly feels like he’s either flying or drowning. Maybe that’s just what it is to be in your 20’s idk, or maybe that’s just me.”

Mendes went on to say that he wants to show up in the world as his true self and not care what people think, and that while sometimes he does, most of the time it's a struggle. “The truth is even with so much success I still find it hard to feel like I'm not failing. Hyper focused on what I don't have, forgetting to see all that I do. The truth is I am overwhelmed and overstimulated. lol. The truth is ALSO that I'm okay. I'm just tryna tell and be the truth. I like to think that maybe me saying this might resonate with some people.”

Amid an outpouring of support from fans, Mendes reassured everyone that he is okay, saying “im honestly so okay! i just wanna communicate with you guys in a real honest way. so i just typed i big old note out for you lol. and i guess im like damn if i’m feeling this with all of the blessings i have i imagine there must be so many people feeling this and just don’t want them to feel alone !!”