Eden Alene Reveals Struggles With Anxiety, Depression After Eurovision

Singer Eden Alene, who represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021, has opened up about a severe mental health crisis she experienced following her peak success. In a candid interview, Alene, now 26, detailed her struggles with debilitating anxiety attacks that led her to stop performing, her battle with suicidal thoughts, and her reliance on alcohol and cannabis. She also spoke about the various jobs she took to support herself during this difficult period.

Alene first gained national attention after winning "X Factor" and later "The Next Star," which earned her the right to represent Israel at Eurovision. However, the sudden fame proved overwhelming, causing her to hide from fans. After Eurovision, the anxiety intensified, manifesting as existential dread and an inability to breathe before performances, leading to her collapse on stage and decision to step away from music.

During her lowest point, described as a "minus ten" on a scale of one to one hundred, Alene moved back to her mother's home in Kiryat Gat. She reported using cannabis, believing it would help her anxiety, but found it exacerbated her symptoms. She also began drinking alcohol, lost her appetite, and dropped to a dangerously low weight of 36 kilograms (approximately 79 pounds). Alene revealed she experienced daily suicidal thoughts and had formulated a plan, prompting her family to seek hospitalization for her, though she was ultimately treated with medication at home.

Financially, Alene faced hardship as performance and recording opportunities ceased, leaving her with debts. She worked in various jobs, including at a restaurant and a jeans store, where she felt embarrassed by being recognized by customers. The success of her peers in the music industry also fueled feelings of envy and denial.

A turning point came when a friend suggested she formally study music. Alene enrolled in the Rimon School of Music, focusing on production, writing, and composition. This experience reignited her passion and allowed her to perform again without anxiety. She is now preparing to release a new song titled "Four Years" and hopes to build a sustainable music career at her own pace, creating music that resonates with listeners on a personal level.