Hannah Mae says panic and low mood inspired new song

Dutch singer Hannah Mae says she spent a long period struggling with panic and low mood, despite her music career going well. She has drawn on that experience for her new song, *Adem uit Adem in* (“Breathe out, breathe in”), she told the ANP news agency. [1]

The 27-year-old said she kept her feelings to herself and often felt lost when she was alone at home. Even cooking could feel like too much, she said. Around performances, she sometimes had panic-related thoughts and could not eat until the show was over.

Mae said she was never diagnosed with depression because she did not see a doctor. She described it instead as a prolonged period in which she felt unwell and could not find a way out.

She said therapy, friendships and learning to talk about her feelings helped her improve. Trying horse riding, despite having been afraid of horses, also helped her rebuild confidence.

Mae described the new song as a diary-like piece, with intense lyrics and no chorus. She said sharing her experience felt daunting, but hoped it might help someone else.