Sophia Michaels
This article includes discussions around severe anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
SZA’s music resonates with many fans, yet her journey hasn’t been easy. She has grappled with feelings of isolation during her teenage years and has faced substantial pressure in her career alongside personal challenges.
Despite her current fame, SZA didn’t enjoy a popular high school experience. In a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, she confessed to feeling sidelined during her teenage years. She reflected, “I wanted to fit in and enjoy life, but it was never meant to be.” In a 2023 discussion with People, she recounted, “I was bullied for being both outspoken and socially awkward. It wasn’t about being a meek victim; it was more like ‘What’s wrong with you?’”
Enduring such treatment surely weighs heavily on anyone. Nevertheless, SZA mentioned that these experiences drove her to strive for greater achievements. While reminiscing about her prom weekend spent with her mother, encountering Lil Wayne at a club led her to think, “I have no friends to stick around for, so why not chase what I want?” In her dialogue with People, she expressed that a more fulfilling high school experience might have stifled her ambitions.
SZA’s Experiences with Islamophobia
In addition to bullying, SZA also faced Islamophobia in her early years, especially following the events of 9/11.
In a 2021 conversation with Muslim Girl, she revealed that after initially wearing a hijab, she stopped due to fear post-9/11. Furthermore, she recounted experiences where peers would chase her and even remove her hijab. She recalled a particularly distressing moment, saying, “Someone once threw a brick into my father’s mosque.”
Although SZA felt comfortable wearing the hijab again in high school, she was subjected to new forms of bullying, being told she was inauthentic. Reflecting on performing in a hijab in Indonesia and Malaysia, she described it as a liberating experience, sharing, “It was comforting to cover up for those shows without fear of judgment.” She even mentioned being open to wearing a hijab full-time in the future.
SZA’s Transparency about Anxiety
SZA’s fans know she has battled anxiety for a long time, and she has been very candid about her mental health struggles.
In 2020, she declared on X (formerly Twitter) that she would avoid interviews altogether. However, when she did eventually agree to one, she noted it was because the magazine offered her control over how she was presented. “When others control your image, it can be dangerous,” she remarked. Subsequently, she emphasized that the pressures and expectations within the music industry can indeed feel overwhelming. In a 2022 conversation with JD Sports’ “Community Voices”, she reflected on the detrimental mental effects of the music industry, describing it as inducing a type of psychosis.
SZA’s Struggle with Expectations and Dehumanization
SZA reflected on the pressures of unrealistic expectations, expressing feelings of dehumanization. Unfortunately, not all fans were sympathetic to her announcement about avoiding interviews, with many urging her for new music. One fan bluntly remarked that they just wanted music, while another expressed annoyance at SZA’s mood, eliciting a strong response from her. SZA replied, emphasizing her right to prioritize her mental well-being, which was disheartening yet empowering to witness.
SZA has been open about her anxiety, revealing its toll during public events. At the 2021 Billboard Music Awards, she posted about her struggle with anxiety, stating that being out in public was particularly tough for her. Her caption reflected her gratitude while also highlighting her battles.
Later, during the 2022 Met Gala, SZA decided to leave early due to overwhelming anxiety, discreetly exiting as Lenny Kravitz performed. She detailed how the thought of facing photographers exacerbated her anxiety, leading her to walk several blocks barefoot before getting a cab back to her hotel. While she prioritized her mental health, she also expressed fear of being misunderstood as ungrateful for her opportunities.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, seek help by contacting the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or reach out to the National Alliance on Mental Illness by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). More resources can be found on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
SZA’s Heartfelt Tribute to Mac Miller
SZA shared her profound sadness over the passing of Mac Miller in 2018, recalling their deep friendship. She posted a touching tribute on Instagram, expressing gratitude for his support during the early days of her career and reminiscing about cherished moments they shared. SZA promised to honor him and keep his memory alive, emphasizing her endless gratitude for their bond.
In the following years, SZA kept her promise by frequently mentioning Mac’s influence on her life. In a 2020 tweet, she expressed her love and longing for him after being reminded of their friendship through a post by Thundercat. SZA also paid tribute to Mac by participating in his posthumous album “Balloonerism,” contributing to the track “DJ Chord Organ” and expressing her affection for him in another heartfelt post, urging fans to support the album.
The Impact of SZA’s Grandmother’s Death
Following the death of her close friend Mac Miller, SZA faced another heartbreaking loss with the passing of her grandmother. In a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, she shared how her grandmother’s health had deteriorated over five months in 2019, describing her as her closest confidante. This challenging period was compounded by the pressures of her celebrity status, with fans approaching her for photos while she rushed to see her grandmother in the hospital.
SZA revealed that the sorrow from her grandmother’s death was profound and unlike any previous loss she had endured. She acknowledged having experienced multiple bereavements in her life, yet the impact of her grandmother’s passing surpassed all others. The situation worsened when she lost her aunt a few months later.
As a result of her grief, SZA found it difficult to create new music, despite the encouragement from her supporters. She candidly admitted her challenges during this time, expressing that she was focused more on surviving rather than producing art. In December 2024, she reflected on her mental health journey on social media, expressing gratitude for her current state of mind compared to the struggles she faced in 2020.
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, support is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org
