Gigi Hadid shares message of support to Zayn Malik for disclosing anxiety: 'Your honesty proved what you’re all about'

Malik pulled out a UK performance after having an anxiety attack

Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid (Getty Images)

Gigi Hadid has shared a message supporting Zayn Malik after the singer pulled out of a show citing “the worst anxiety of my career”.

The model, who is in a relationship with Malik, praised the “Pillow Talk” singer’s bravery for disclosing his struggle with anxiety to his fans after cancelling an appearance at the Capital FM Summertime Ball at Wembley. His performance would have been his first as a solo artist in the UK since quitting One Direction.

Hadid, 21, responded to his post in a message highlighting how his situation is one many can empathise with.

“I’ve seen the battles you go through and the ways you fight to get in a place that allows you to get up there for your fans,” she wrote. “Your bravery in those times makes me proud, but your honesty last night proved what you’re all about, being real.”

Malik, 23, also received messages of support from Ellie Goulding and YouTuber Alfie Deyes, who told him: “We all understand.”

Nicky Lidbetter, the CEO of Anxiety UK, said Malik’s statement has already had a palpable effect on awareness of the condition.

Ms Lidbetter told the Independent: “We really welcome Zayn being open about the anxiety difficulties he experiences. It’s really important because he has a huge following and what we have seen already is that it has really raised awareness and started a conversation among young people.

“Anxiety is on the increase among children and young adults and we have to get better at talking about it. His statement also shows how debilitating anxiety can be. Just like many other mental health problems, it effects everyone differently and, at its most severe, it can stop people from leading normal lives and participating in society. It can affect anyone - rich or poor, young or old, men or women - it knows no bounds.

“It’s not just stress, it’s not a low level issue, it’s something that can really wreak havoc on people’s lives and there needs to be more awareness and more support.”

You can find more information about the symptoms of anxiety and how it is treated by visiting Anxiety UK’s website here.