Rick Springfield, the popular singer known for his hit “Jessie’s Girl,” has opened up about his experiences with mental health and his attempts to find relief from depression. Recently, he explored the use of ketamine therapy as a treatment option for his long-standing battle with depression, a struggle he’s faced since his teenage years.
In an interview featured in a magazine, the 75-year-old entertainer explained his approach to this therapy. “I wanted to see if it would help me think differently,” he shared. Although he described the experience as a creative experiment, he didn’t find it particularly beneficial. “It made me feel heavy and robotic. It didn’t really change much for me,” he stated, although he acknowledged that he has been writing more and believes that the effects of such treatments can be complex.
Currently, Springfield is considering a more measured approach known as “micro-dosing.” He reflected on his past with psychedelics, noting, “I did acid, and that felt a bit better.” He emphasized that while he’s not encouraging drug use, he is open to anything that might enhance his happiness and improve his mental well-being.
In addition to exploring these treatments, Springfield has made significant lifestyle changes, particularly reducing his alcohol intake over the past two years. He noted that this decision has positively impacted his mental state more than anything else he has tried. “As you get older, it just makes sense to cut back,” he explained, mentioning that he still enjoys a drink occasionally while performing but avoids alcohol in his daily life.
Springfield also emphasizes the importance of savoring life’s simple pleasures. He enjoys walking on the beach with his wife of 40 years, Barbara Porter, and their dog, activities he once considered unproductive. “I used to think that was a waste of time,” he admitted. “Now, I realize that taking time for these moments is essential for my well-being.”
As an advocate for mental health awareness, Springfield hopes that sharing his personal journey can offer comfort to others facing similar struggles. He wants people to understand that they are not alone, drawing parallels to the shared experience of grief. “It’s powerful to connect and share,” he remarked.
With a new album, Volume 2 of his Greatest Hits, and an upcoming tour, Rick Springfield continues to inspire others while navigating his own mental health journey.
