Shawn Mendes cancels tour to focus on mental health: 'Much needed time off'

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Shawn Mendes canceled the rest of the dates on his Wonder World Tour to take an extended mental health break as he revealed he was "not at all ready for how difficult touring would be" following time spent away from performing on stage due to COVID-19 shutdowns.

Mendes announced the tour cancellation Wednesday via Instagram after previously postponing a string of shows earlier this month to focus on his well-being.

"I wasn't totally prepared for the toll that being on the road would take on me," he wrote to his millions of fans online. "I started this tour excited to finally get back to playing live after a long break due to the pandemic, but the reality is I was not at all ready for how difficult touring would be after this time away."

He added: "After speaking more with my team and working with an incredible group of health professionals, it has become more clear that I need to take the time I've never taken personally, to ground myself and come back stronger."

Shortly after making the statement, the "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back" artist was spotted hiking with friends on one of the popular Runyon Canyon trails in Los Angeles, Calif., according to Entertainment Tonight.

Shawn Mendes canceled his Wonder World Tour Wednesday citing mental health concerns. The 23-year-old musician had only played seven dates of the tour before postponing the shows indefinitely.  (Kevin Mazur)

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Mendes was seen out with "a small group of guys and girls" in addition to his manager as he hiked in Hollywood. The insider also noted the Canadian musician was "laughing and smiling, and seemed to be in great spirits," as he maintained a brave face despite the recent announcement. 

The "Treat You Better" singer's cancellation comes weeks after he postponed part of the tour because he had reached a "breaking point."

But Mendes claimed he will continue to make music and eventually return to touring after taking the "much needed time off."

"I know you all have been waiting so long to see these shows, and it breaks my heart to tell you this but I promise I'll be back as soon as I've taken the right time to heal," he concluded. "I love you all and thank you all so much for supporting me and sticking by me on this journey."

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Mendes has been candid about his mental health struggles on social media. (Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)

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The 23-year-old pop star has been candid about his mental health journey on social media.

He's received support from other singers, including Demi Lovato and Andy Grammer.

"My heart goes out to Shawn because I know what it's like to get out on the road and not be ready for it. I know what it's like to feel overworked or burnt out," Lovato said during an appearance on "Karson & Kennedy Talk with Famous People."

"That's never a fun feeling, and when it's dealing with mental health, it's like, 'gosh.' My heart just goes out to him."

Mendes told fans he will continue to make music and will eventually return to touring. (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

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Grammer commented on Mendes' Instagram post, writing, "Love you man- proud of you for doing what you need."

Mendes initially announced the tour in September 2021, and added European dates in December. By January 2022, though, Mendes revealed all 2022 European dates would be delayed to 2023 due to the coronavirus pandemic. He played a total of seven shows in the Wonder World Tour.