James Arthur Discusses How He Contemplated Suicide After Simon Cowell Record Label Axe

James Arthur has told of how he contemplated suicide during his darkest days, as he opened up about his mental health. 

The 2012 ‘X Factor’ winner revealed the “heartbreak” he felt when he was dropped from Simon Cowell’s record label in 2013, stating he often had suicidal thoughts. 

Speaking to the Evening Standard, James said: “If I was ever near a balcony, or in my car, I’d have an image of me jumping over or driving off the road.

“But then I’d think, ‘Don’t do it, you’ve got sisters, you’re the man of the family.’

“But there was many a time I thought of it.”

James, who recently re-signed with Syco and is currently number one with comeback single ‘Say You Won’t Let Me Go’, also described his recent struggles as like a “prison sentence”. 

In an interview with Fault magazine, he said: “For the past three years, I’ve felt like I’ve been on a bit of a prison sentence. Suffering from all kinds of mental health issues, wondering whether or not I’d come back and make any kind of a splash.”

Despite still suffering from “terrible anxiety”, James also revealed how he is trying to use his experience to help others. 

“I’m an ambassador for a mental health organization and I want to encourage people to start talking more about their mental health issues, because I feel it remains a taboo subject,” he said.

“You can have these things and talk about it. We’re so scared to talk. Most relationships are built on fear. And I want to encourage more people to speak out, especially young men. Cause the suicide rate in young men is terrifying. And that could’ve been me. Or it could’ve been one of my friends and I don’t want that to be the case anymore.

“If I can use my voice to help a few people, then I would love to be able to do that,” he added. 

Useful websites and helplines:

• Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
• Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
• Get Connected is a free advice service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@getconnected.org.uk