Joe Jonas Says Debut Solo Album Struggles Led To Panic Attacks

Joe Jonas has opened up about experiencing intense panic attacks after his first solo album failed to meet expectations on the charts.

During Wednesday’s latest episode of the Hey Jonas! podcast, the singer and songwriter spoke with his brothers Nick and Kevin Jonas about the anxiety he faced after Fastlife arrived in October 2011.

Joe released the album roughly one year after the Jonas Brothers began their hiatus, but the project earned a mixed response from music critics.

“The first time I felt that I had not achieved success was what pushed me to begin therapy,” he explained. “I put out a solo record when I was around 21 or 22, and it did not perform as strongly as I expected. At that time, almost everything the Jonas Brothers released became successful. We would regularly reach number one.”

Looking back at the album’s reception, the pop singer admitted that he placed enormous pressure on himself to prove he could succeed independently.

“I released something without the two of you, and I believe I expected myself to become just as successful alone,” the 36 year old recalled. “Deep inside, that mattered greatly to me. I convinced myself that succeeding independently would prove my value.”

After repeatedly visiting his doctor because of panic attacks and physical discomfort, Joe was encouraged to meet with a therapist.

“My first reaction was, ‘Why are you suggesting therapy? I do not need to see a therapist. What reason would I have to go?’” he said. “Eventually, I agreed to speak with someone. I spent nearly an hour crying while trying to answer the first question, but then understood how beneficial it could be. Therapy helped me enormously during that period and has continued supporting me through other important experiences in my life.”

Joe released his second studio album, Music for People Who Believe in Love, in May 2025.

The father of two will next join the upcoming season of The Voice as a coach, with the series scheduled to begin airing early next year.