Bruce Springsteen opens up about how his wife of 31 years Patti Scialfa saved him from crippling depression

Bruce Springsteen, the legendary rockstar, has carved a name for himself in the music industry. Yet, behind the confident facade of a singer lies a battle with his own demons, a battle he didn’t have to face alone.

With nearly 20 studio albums and a plethora of hits, Springsteen, often accompanied by his E Street Band, has created a musical legacy that delves into the struggles of the American working class.

His lyrics are rich in storytelling, shining a spotlight on the challenges faced by everyday people.

In his memoir, ‘Born to Run,’ Springsteen opened up about his father’s long-standing battle with depression, which occasionally left him bedridden for days. However, the book also shed light on Springsteen’s own struggles with the disease. He attributed his experience with depression to a combination of genetics and childhood experiences.

Notably, Springsteen’s physical health began to deteriorate, leading to frustration. He found himself underweight and relying heavily on fast food. His energy levels plummeted to the point where he needed assistance to leave the stage during performances.

Determined to change his lifestyle, Springsteen embarked on a new fitness regimen, running six miles on a treadmill and lifting weights three times a week. While his physical health improved, his mental health continued to suffer.

Springsteen candidly discussed his battle with depression, acknowledging that it was a powerful force stemming from factors that remained inexplicable to him. He once expressed, “My depression is spewing like an oil spill all over the beautiful turquoise-green gulf of my carefully planned and controlled existence. Its black sludge is threatening to smother every last living part of me.”

Recognizing that depression was largely a matter of biochemistry, Springsteen came to understand that it required more than just physical exercise to manage. He emphasized the importance of self-realization, explaining, “Just naming it [helps]… What most people tend to want to do is, when they feel bad, name a reason why you feel that way… But a lot of times, you’re simply looking to name something that’s not particularly nameable, and if you misname it; it just makes everything that much worse.”

This strategy of naming and acknowledging his feelings has been an effective way for him to cope with depression and manage its episodes.

Moreover, Springsteen credited his wife, Patti Scialfa, for playing a pivotal role in his recovery. He described how her stability, strength, and love were essential during his battle with depression. She was the one who recognized when he needed medical intervention and urged him to seek help.

Patti’s understanding of his struggles with depression set their relationship apart from others. Springsteen acknowledged, “She had a lot of understanding of where I was coming from and some of the choices I make and a little bit about the twisted parts of my personality that she knew how to handle and live with better than some of my other relationships.”

Springsteen’s journey from the depths of depression to the heights of fame is an inspiring testament to resilience and the importance of seeking help and support. His openness about his struggles and his acknowledgment of the role his wife played in his recovery serve as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.

Share Bruce Springsteen’s inspirational story with your friends and family, and let it be a reminder that even rockstars face battles within themselves, battles that can be won with determination, understanding, and love.