Sugababes Star Keisha Buchanan Opens Up on Mental Health Amid Masked Singer Speculation
Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan has issued a frank and heartfelt statement about her mental health following a challenging period in her life, all while speculation mounts that she is the finalist known as "Moth" on the popular television show The Masked Singer. In a revealing video message, the singer addressed personal struggles that have gone largely unreported, shedding light on the impact of depression, anxiety, and difficult relationships on her wellbeing.
Mental Health Struggles Since 2016
Keisha Buchanan, now 41 years old, described herself as a perfectionist who has faced significant personal challenges since 2016. She revealed, "I've dealt with a lot of personal struggles…since 2016. A lot of depression and anxiety and things of that nature." The singer explained that numerous projects were started and abandoned during her time out of the spotlight, attributing this to underlying mental health issues that became more apparent over the years.
She elaborated, "There have just been a lot of things that have impacted my mental health for many many years. And from 2016 was when it became more apparent that there was something that didn't feel right about me." This candid admission highlights the often-hidden battles faced by public figures, even as they navigate successful careers in the entertainment industry.
Impact of Damaging Relationships
In her statement, Keisha hinted at a particularly damaging relationship that severely affected her state of mind. She noted that someone in her life "was greatly impacting" her mental health, though she did not provide specific details. Reflecting on this difficult period, she emphasised the importance of self-care, stating, "I think that it's important that when you are not feeling like yourself or when you are in difficult situations, it could be in friendships, in business, whatever it is… it's important just to take care of yourself."
This revelation comes amid ongoing personal issues, including a recent breakup and growing apart from long-standing friends, which she acknowledged have made it challenging to fully enjoy the renewed success of the Sugababes. Keisha admitted, "My vulnerability and my open heart have led to opening doors to people and things that could definitely destroy a person."
Sugababes Journey and Reunion
Keisha Buchanan formed the Sugababes with Siobhán Donaghy and Mutya Buena in 1998, when they were all in their early teens. Their debut single, Overload, reached number six in the UK Singles Chart in 2000 and earned a BRIT Award nomination for Best Single. However, the group faced internal tensions, with Donaghy leaving in 2001 and Buena departing in 2005 due to postnatal depression and the pressures of their demanding schedule.
Keisha herself exited the group in September 2009, later stating it was "not her choice" and attributing it to a "breakdown in communication and lack of trust." Despite this, the original trio reunited in 2011 and officially regained the Sugababes name in 2019, releasing one album, The Lost Tapes, in 2022, which featured recordings from 2011 to 2013.
Looking Forward to a New Chapter
Despite the personal hardships, Keisha expressed optimism about the future. She highlighted positive developments, such as reclaiming the Sugababes name and launching new music, saying, "I decided that I was going to take care of myself. I had so many wonderful things happening. Me and the girls, we got the name Sugababes back and we were able to launch music and just do some amazing things that we never thought were even on the radar."
Now navigating single life for the first time in years, Keisha remains hopeful, adding, "I’m looking forward to everything this new chapter brings." Her openness about mental health and personal struggles serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care and resilience, even in the face of public scrutiny and ongoing rumours about her involvement in The Masked Singer.
