7 Shocking Ways Ariana Grande’s Anxiety Peaked During ‘Wicked’ And Her Family’s Recent Concerns

Ariana Grande’s lifelong struggle with anxiety and mental health has reached a new, intense peak in recent months, with reports from late 2024 and early 2025 suggesting her family has expressed serious concerns about her well-being. The global superstar has always been open about her battles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, but the immense pressure of filming the movie musical *Wicked* and the subsequent public scrutiny have reportedly exacerbated her already-challenging mental state. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the specific ways her anxiety has manifested and the crucial steps she has taken to manage her complex mental health journey. The singer's candidness about her anxiety, depression, and grief has made her a powerful advocate for mental health awareness, turning her personal trauma into a public conversation about the importance of therapy and self-care. Her journey is a raw look at how even the most successful individuals can struggle with debilitating mental health conditions.

Ariana Grande: Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993
• Age (as of December 2025): 32
• Birthplace: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Businesswoman
• Musical Genres: Pop, R&B, Trap, Hip Hop
• Years Active: 2008–present
• Breakthrough Role: Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s *Victorious* (2010–2013)
• Major Albums: *Yours Truly* (2013), *My Everything* (2014), *Dangerous Woman* (2016), *Sweetener* (2018), *thank u, next* (2019), *Positions* (2020), *eternal sunshine* (2024)
• Current Major Project: Portraying Glinda in the two-part film adaptation of the musical *Wicked* (Part One releasing in late 2024, Part Two in 2025)
• Key Mental Health Entities: Anxiety, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The Manchester Bombing: The Root of Her PTSD and Physical Anxiety

Ariana Grande’s anxiety battle took a dramatic and physical turn following the devastating terrorist attack at her Manchester Arena concert in May 2017. This single, traumatic event became the catalyst for a severe and debilitating form of chronic anxiety and PTSD.

PTSD Diagnosis and Brain Scans

Following the attack, Grande was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She has spoken openly about the diagnosis, which is a condition that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic or terrifying event. In a shocking revelation, the singer shared a picture of a brain scan, showing the physical impact of her trauma. Her brain scan reportedly revealed a significant level of activity consistent with PTSD, a visual confirmation of the invisible struggle she was facing.

The Onset of Physical Panic Attacks

While Grande has stated she has "always had anxiety," the trauma from Manchester caused it to reach a "very different, intense peak." The anxiety became physical, hitting her "out of nowhere" even when she was in a seemingly "good mood, fine and happy." This physical manifestation of anxiety is a common symptom of PTSD, where the body remains in a constant state of hypervigilance. This intense, physical anxiety became a major theme during the creation of her albums *Sweetener* and *thank u, next*, which she created while undergoing intensive therapy. She has credited therapy with helping her navigate the grief, depression, and anxiety that followed the event.

7 Ways Ariana Grande's Anxiety Peaked in the 'Wicked' and 'Eternal Sunshine' Eras

The period surrounding the filming of *Wicked* and the release of her 2024 album *eternal sunshine* brought a fresh wave of public scrutiny and professional pressure, leading to a reported spike in her anxiety levels. The following points highlight the most recent and significant struggles.

1. Family Intervention and Health Concerns

In late 2024, reports surfaced that members of Ariana Grande’s family expressed deep concern that she was "not in a healthy place" mentally. This concern stemmed from the stress of her demanding schedule and the constant media attention, prompting her family to encourage her to prioritize her mental health. The public nature of this concern underscores the severity of her recent struggles.

2. The Paparazzi Flare-Up at the Premiere

A very recent and public incident occurred at the *Wicked: For Good* premiere in New York, where the singer was visibly overwhelmed by the paparazzi. A chaotic red-carpet moment was reportedly halted as Grande experienced an anxiety flare-up, which fans and observers quickly noted. This event highlighted how the intense, physical strain of hyper-public life can trigger her anxiety, especially when coupled with her history of PTSD.

3. The Pressure of Glinda and 'Wicked' Filming

Taking on the role of Glinda in the massive *Wicked* film adaptation was a dream come true, but it came with an immense, multi-year commitment and intense pressure. She opened up about how she protected her mental health while filming, suggesting the environment itself was a challenge she had to actively navigate. The demanding nature of the role, coupled with separation from her normal life, likely contributed to heightened stress and anxiety.

4. Anxiety "Through the Roof"

During this tumultuous period, sources close to the star claimed her anxiety was "through the roof," a phrase that suggests a level of intensity beyond her normal struggles. This feeling was compounded by the constant media scrutiny and public discussion surrounding her personal life during the *eternal sunshine* album cycle.

5. Navigating Grief and Depression in Her Music

Her 2024 album, *eternal sunshine*, while exploring heartbreak and new beginnings, also touches on the emotional journey of pain and grief. Even as she moves forward, the process of channeling deep, personal pain into her art is a form of emotional labor that can be mentally taxing, often requiring her to re-experience difficult emotions.

6. The Constant Public Scrutiny

For a star with PTSD, the constant, invasive public eye acts as a perpetual stressor. The "deeply personal mental strain caused by constant public" judgment and speculation is a major contributor to her anxiety, making it difficult to find a safe, private space to heal. The lack of privacy is a non-stop trigger for a person with a trauma history.

7. The Hyper-Awareness of Mental Health

Ariana Grande has become a vocal advocate, stating that "Mental health is so important. People don't pay enough mind to it." While her advocacy is powerful, the very act of constantly discussing and being hyper-aware of her mental state can, ironically, contribute to a sense of ongoing struggle and pressure to be a perfect spokesperson.

Coping Mechanisms and Advocacy: How Ariana Grande Manages Her Mental Health

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Ariana Grande has been incredibly proactive in managing her anxiety and PTSD, offering a model of resilience for her millions of fans.

Prioritizing Therapy and Treatment

Grande has been consistently vocal about the importance of therapy, stating she was "doing so much therapy" during her most difficult periods. She treats her mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, with the seriousness they deserve, viewing professional help as a necessity, not a luxury.

The Power of Music and Creative Outlets

Her albums, particularly *Sweetener* and *thank u, next*, are often cited as therapeutic works, using music to process trauma, grief, and emotional upheaval. The creation of her art serves as a vital coping mechanism, allowing her to channel intense emotions into something productive and meaningful. The introspective nature of *eternal sunshine* continues this tradition of using her artistry for emotional processing.

Open Communication and Advocacy

By sharing her brain scan, discussing her PTSD diagnosis, and speaking about her physical anxiety, Ariana Grande has removed the stigma for countless young people. Her open communication about her struggles, including panic attacks and hypervigilance, encourages others to seek help and recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health. She continues to use her platform to remind her fans to take care of their own mental health.