Duff McKagan Mental Health Issues: Bassist Shares How He Made This Song Amid Panic Attacks

Duff McKagan shared how one of the songs of his three-track EP, "This Is The Song," helped him get through panic attacks.

McKagan dropped his first solo music in four years to mark Mental Health Awareness Month. Titled, "This Is The Song," the three-track EP also contains a song he wrote while having a panic attack.

Duff McKagan Reveals He Wrote "This Is The Song" While Having Panic Attack

The EP has a solo single of the same title, which McKagan reportedly made amid his long battle with panic disorder.

On his official website, the musician dropped a press release in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month and his EP. He opened up about his mental health struggles, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic started.

"I have dealt with a certain variety of panic disorders since the age of sixteen, and in these recent years, my panic disorder has morphed and twisted and brought along some darkness that seems to appear out of absolutely nowhere. It can be terrifying," he said.

McKagan revealed that he wrote "This Is the Song" while experiencing an attack, during which he reportedly could not breathe or see clearly.

Fortunately, he made it through the experience with his acoustic guitar. McKagan ended his note by reminding his fans that they are not alone and telling others how blessed they are if they never have experienced such struggles.

Aside from "This Is The Song," Duff McKagan's new album also includes the tracks "It Can't Come Too Soon" and "Pass You By." The music project serves as his first EP since his 2019 solo album, "Tenderness."

Duff McKagan's Mental Health Struggles Explored

Before opening up through his song, McKagan already spoke about his struggles during his interviews.

In his August 2020 conversation with Chris Cornell's eldest daughter, Lily Cornell Silver, on Mind Wide Open, McKagan revealed that he had his first panic attack when he was 16 and how it led him to have problems with alcohol and drugs in the years thereafter.

Meanwhile, he gained hope when he learned how common the disorder was when his mother helped him by bringing him to the hospital. Amid his struggles, McKagan said he was also diagnosed with depression and found out that his panic attack was only a symptom of the mental health

After decades of enduring his problems, McKagan is now drug and alcohol-free after receiving the help he needed, including support from his bandmate, Slash.