Kelsea Ballerini Talks Mental Health After Breakup with Chase Stokes
Kelsea Ballerini recently opened up about her mental health following her split from actor Chase Stokes, her boyfriend for nearly three years. The breakup took place last month.
In a post on her blog, Ballerini shared a photo slideshow and described her recent experiences, mentioning, “Hot dogs, painting the porch, sleeping in until 9pm, friendship, parks, Kenny Chesney, and Lexapro brought me.” Lexapro is an antidepressant prescribed for depression and anxiety.
The images she posted featured her enjoying time in the park, engaging in self-care, relaxing with her dog Dibs, and even painting pumpkins.
Breakup Following a Heartfelt Birthday Tribute
Ballerini and Stokes ended their relationship just two days after he gave her a loving birthday shoutout on social media, which left many fans feeling upset.
In one notable image from her slideshow, Ballerini is seen meeting fellow musician Kenny Chesney. She has been candid about her mental health in interviews, stating that therapy has been a crucial tool for her. She noted, “There’s still a stigma about talking about certain things, and the way to remove that bias is to create a conversation.”
Therapy has also influenced her music, especially her album “Patterns,” which she described as a deep exploration of her self-reflection as she transitions into her 30s. Ballerini has dealt with PTSD stemming from a traumatic school shooting she witnessed as a teen, and therapy has supported her recovery from an eating disorder and the impact of her parents’ divorce.
Facing Anxiety and Self-Doubt
Ballerini addressed how therapy helped her confront anxiety associated with her role as a mentor on “The Voice.” She admitted that she’s learning to accept that not everyone will appreciate her music, saying, “Fair enough. Not everything is for everyone.” That realization has been empowering for her.
While she continues to navigate the aftermath of her breakup, Ballerini is engaging in various activities that bring her joy, like spending time with friends and nurturing her hobbies. She shared a heartwarming photo where she hugs her dog Dibs, emphasizing her need for comfort during this time.
Ballerini and Stokes began dating after she reached out to him via Instagram in late 2022. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading to a year marked by deep connections and shared experiences.
The couple’s relationship officially ended last month, confirmed by Stokes’ representatives. Following the breakup, there were hints of them possibly remaining friendly, as demonstrated when Ballerini liked a post from Stokes recently. It’s unclear if this signals anything more, but it suggests they may still share a cordial relationship.
