But according to many independent psychologists, the 1D popstar did the right thing, in meeting his anxieties head-on.
The Independent interviewed Dr. Sandi Mann, who is the senior professor of psychology at the University of Central Lancashire.
Dr. Mann told The Independent that the life of a high-profile celebrity like the Zaynster is filled with stress and strife, on a level that most people never experience.
And that stress takes a toll.
“When you are a high profile celeb in the public eye,” explained Dr Mann. “the stresses and strains are likely to be enormous. Many ‘ordinary’ people think that it must be easy street at the top, but there are different pressures; living in a goldfish bowl where your every action, word, tweet and nose-scratch is observed, commented on and shared must present an enormous strain.”
The psychologist then explained that the best way to counteract this stress and exhaustion is to be honest with fans, and to request time out to deal with the problem.
“It is also harder [for a celebrity] to admit you are not coping,” revealed Dr. Mann. “It is hard for anyone to admit that, but when you are such a public figure, you know that the intense interest that such an admission will generate will be massive.”
Dr. Mann added:
“Stress and mental ill health are major issues today, especially with young people. We need to teach young people to cope with stress and mental health problems in schools so I hope this will help raise awareness for young people and the general public.”
According to Dr. Georgina Hosang at Goldsmiths University, Zayn’s choice to walk off the 1D tour was a courageous one:
“We all experience stress at some point in our lives but there are some professionals which are more pressured. Being a celebrity, particularly a music artist, is a demanding career path which often requires long days, high productivity and media scrutiny.