Noah Kahan Opens Up About His Struggles with Body Dysmorphia and Self-Image: It’s a ‘Horrible Cycle’

Noah Kahan, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, has candidly addressed his ongoing struggles with body dysmorphia and mental health challenges in a recent appearance on Jay Shetty’s podcast, “On Purpose.” The 29-year-old artist, known for his tracks like “Hurt Somebody,” spoke about the profound impact these issues have had on his life, reflecting on the time he feels he has lost grappling with negative self-image.

During the episode aired on 6 April, Kahan expressed his concerns about having spent significant time “hating who [he] is.” He conveyed a sense of frustration, noting that despite enjoying career success and the beauty of everyday life, he often wakes up feeling unfulfilled and distressed. “Like I wake up and I’m like, ‘Why do I feel like s–t?’” he remarked. “It’s a beautiful morning. The birds are singing, it’s lovely outside. I wish I could wake up and not be miserable for no reason.”

Kahan elaborated on how feelings of loneliness often accompany these struggles, stating he frequently finds himself “wading through it every day.” His experiences with body dysmorphia—a mental health condition that distorts one’s perception of their own appearance—have not improved, as he poignantly shared in his upcoming Netflix documentary titled “Out of Body.” Kahan admitted that watching the film was a difficult experience, even for his mother, who realised just how deeply his struggles affected him.

Reflecting on the impact of his body dysmorphia, Kahan said, “It’s hard when the thing that you really compartmentalise and lock away is now there.” He acknowledged the fear that comes with discussing such personal challenges, concerned about not accurately conveying the distress they can cause. “It’s just this thing that is there within me,” he explained, describing the complexity of feelings tied to the disorder since childhood.

Despite these personal battles, Kahan has discovered a valuable outlet for expression through his music. He revealed that the positive responses to his song “Shape of My Shadow,” which addresses the topic of body dysmorphia, underscored the importance of openly discussing mental health issues. “These people coming up and saying that my song was helpful to them—it’s like, this is important,” he stated, emphasising how meaningful it is to connect with others through shared experiences.

The singer recounted moments where audience members approached him after gigs to express how his music resonated with them, noting that such interactions are significant. “It was really special,” Kahan mentioned, illustrating the powerful impact of vulnerability in art and the importance of breaking the silence surrounding mental health struggles.

Through his music and public conversations, Kahan aims to foster understanding and support for those experiencing similar challenges. He understands the difficulty of articulating these issues, but he believes in the necessity of sharing one’s truth. By addressing his mental health openly, Kahan hopes to inspire others to seek help and engage in conversations that promote healing.

For anyone grappling with body image concerns or mental health challenges, organisations such as The Alliance for Eating Disorders and dedicated helplines are available to provide support. Kahan’s journey reflects a growing recognition in society of the need to address and discuss mental health, encouraging open dialogue that can lead to healing and understanding for many.