Will Young opens up about crippling anxiety, a panic attack with the postwoman, and ongoing recovery

Will Young has revealed that crippling anxiety once left him unable to leave the house for days, and he recalled a moment when he suffered a panic attack while speaking to a postwoman. The 46-year-old Pop Idol winner discussed the episode on the Dig It podcast with longtime friends Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball, describing anxiety as something that can feel physical and overwhelming even in everyday interactions.

The performer has previously disclosed a diagnosis of complex PTSD and said he has undergone a lot of therapy to manage his symptoms. He described stretches when he stayed in bed for days and said that gardening and time with animals offer moments of relief. He has emphasized that anxiety can present as a bodily sensation, and that even routine encounters can trigger a reaction. He noted that he can feel anxious around the post person and questioned why a panic attack would happen in that context. He added that he has learned to focus on the body and that therapy and grounding techniques help him stay present, including a practice he calls thought-blocking and an approach to avoid getting stuck in his head.

Young described three core pillars of his coping: grounding in the body to stay connected to the present, a technique he calls thought-blocking to interrupt intrusive thoughts, and open communication with trusted people about what he is experiencing. He compared his work to training at the gym, noting that therapy is an ongoing process and that being around others can help him move through the most challenging moments. He added that it helps to tell people what he is going through and to avoid hiding his struggles, including conversations with his boyfriend.

The interview also touched on his broader mental-health history. Young has spoken publicly about a diagnosis of complex PTSD and said he has undergone significant therapy to manage it. He has described periods when panic attacks were constant and has discussed an agoraphobic phase during his time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, which ultimately led to his withdrawal from the show. He has said that moment represented one of the hardest points of his career, but he framed it as a period from which he continues to recover and grow.

Beyond therapy, Young has found grounding in everyday rituals such as gardening and nurturing his connection with animals. He stressed that recovery is an ongoing process and that sharing his story with friends, family and fans can be validating for others who experience similar feelings. The conversation contributes to a broader public discussion about mental health in the entertainment world and reinforces the importance of listening to and supporting people who choose to speak openly about anxiety and trauma.