October 14th 2024.
Matt Shultz, the lead singer of Cage The Elephant, recently opened up about his struggles with psychosis and how it affected his personal life. In a candid interview, Matt described the years he spent in a constant state of panic, paranoia, and delusions as a living nightmare.
According to Matt, his psychotic breakdown was triggered by his ADHD medication in 2020 and it lasted for several years. He explained how he experienced hypervigilance and paranoia, and how his mind was "hijacked" by the psychosis. His brother and bandmate, Brad Shultz, added that it was a constant worry for him and that he could do nothing but be there for Matt.
During this time, Matt believed that he was being chased by some unknown entity and that his wife, Eva, was in danger if she was close to him. This led to their separation, but Matt credits Eva for being the reason he is still alive. In 2023, Matt was arrested for possession of loaded firearms, which he described as the best thing that could have happened to him. This incident forced him to seek help and he was immediately hospitalized.
While in the hospital, as the effects of the medication wore off, Matt started to see things more clearly. He reflected on how he could have let this happen to him and is still working on forgiving himself for his ordeal. After his recovery, Matt and Eva got back together and even renewed their vows in New York. He described the experience as "amazing" and one of the greatest moments of his life.
Matt also shared that he took around 20,000 polaroid pictures of his "perfectly placed belongings" during his illness. He believed that distancing himself from Eva would keep her safe, but now he realizes that it was all part of his psychosis.
Psychosis is a condition where people lose contact with reality, which can involve seeing or hearing things that are not real and believing things that are not true. It can be triggered by various factors, including mental health conditions, traumatic experiences, stress, substance misuse, and physical conditions.
Treatment for psychosis involves medication, therapy, and social support. In Matt's case, it was a combination of all three that helped him recover. He also found solace in painting, which helped him express his emotions.
Cage The Elephant, which was founded by Matt and his brother Brad in 2006, consists of other members such as Nick Bockrath, Matthan Minster, Daniel Tichenor, and Jared Champion. Their success on the rock charts with their first album in 2008 led to mainstream popularity. They have won two Grammy awards for their albums and have been nominated multiple times.
Matt's journey with psychosis has shaped their latest album, Neon Pill, and their single of the same name reflects his experience. The music video for the song shows Matt in a hospital bed and running through a dark corridor, while others see themselves without eyes in mirrors. The lyrics also touch upon his experience, with lines like "double-crossed by a neon pill" and "I lost control of the wheel."
Matt's struggles with psychosis have not only affected his personal life but have also influenced the music he creates with Cage The Elephant. Through his journey, he hopes to raise awareness about this condition and encourage others to seek help if needed.
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