Justin Bieber at risk: Pop star could face a mental health breakdown

With over 82 million Instagram followers and a strong army of fans worldwide — who refer to themselves as 'Beliebers' — it's fair to say the Canadian pop star is a hot topic.

            *** JUSTIN BIEBER DATES SELENA GOMEZ LOOKALIKE ***

After rising to fame as a pre-teen, the now 23-year-old is a global phenomenon whose every move is watched by fans and press alike.

While such superstardom may seem like a dream to many, Justin's popularity often proves to be a nightmare.

In 2016, the Love Yourself singer caused uproar when he announced that he would no longer be taking selfies with fans.

Instagram

BREAKING POINT? A mental health expert has voiced concern for Justin Bieber

In a heartfelt message posted to Instagram, just shortly before he took some time away from the social media site, Justin said: "If you happen to see me out somewhere, know that I'm not gonna take a picture. I'm done…

"It has gotten to the point that people won't even say 'hi' to me or recognise me as a human. I feel like a zoo animal and I want to be able to keep my sanity."

The candid confession caused uproar, with Justin labelled a "diva" over his reluctance to get snap happy.

But was the world perhaps a little too quick to judge?

Twitter

NO PRIVACY: Justin was recently mobbed when trying to grab lunch at a Sydney restaurant

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Last month, disturbing footage emerged of the pop sensation being mobbed by fans during a visit to Sydney, Australia, while he was on tour.

It seemed as though the entire city had turned out to watch Justin as he grabbed a bite to eat with friends at a local restaurant.

A picture taken at the scene shows the singer trying to eat his food, as dozens of girls stand inches away from him, with their cameras pointed in his direction.

The Twitter user who shared the snap wrote: "Probably the first time I've felt sorry for Justin Bieber. The poor guy can't even go for chicken without a mob of baying fans tailing him."

"This extreme attention can lead to higher levels of depression, anxiety and aggressive behaviour"

Dr Elena Touroni

And things got worse for Justin, as he was then chased back to his car.

One fan video from the frenzied scene shows the Sorry singer reacting to having his personal space invaded.

He can be heard telling fans: "Who touched my face? Don't touch my face!"

In another concerning clip, Justin tried to reason with the crowd as he told them: "The more you guys scream and act like animals, the less we can have a conversation."

Unsurprisingly, his warning did little to calm the throng of screaming girls.

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GRATEFUL: Justin thanked Dennis, pictured here, for standing guard whilst he ate lunch

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Taking to Instagram later that day, Justin thanked a police officer who had protected him during the hectic lunch trip.

So just what kind of impact can that relentless attention have on a young man?

In an exclusive chat with Daily Star Online, Dr Elena Touroni from the Chelsea Psychology Clinic revealed that being on the receiving end of such extreme fan and media behaviour can have devastating psychological effects.

Sharing her professional opinion, she told us: "All human beings have a need for a healthy degree of attention, but equally a certain amount of privacy.

"The price of fame for celebrities such as Justin Bieber can often be that all of their moves are being monitored by the media, thereby creating an artificial experience in which one is constantly on display."

Instagram

TRAPPED: The pop star has said that he often feels like a zoo animal

Dr Elena then explained the specific type of mental health issues that can stem from a lifestyle such as that belonging to Justin.

"This can have a significant effect on their ability to enjoy the ordinary experiences of life and can lead to higher levels of depression, anxiety and aggressive behaviour amongst those in the public eye," she explained.

The consultant psychologist added: "This is both due to an experience of constantly being watched, with every aspect of one's behaviour being scrutinised and distorted by the media, but also as a result of not having the opportunity to relax and switch off which is necessary for one's psychological well-being.

"When faced with such a threat to one's sense of security in the world, it is normal to respond with a wish to either protect oneself from the threat or even counterattack to defend from the threat."

From what Dr Elena says, Justin's decision to stop taking pictures with fans may not be a sign of 'diva' behaviour after all, but rather an attempt to defend himself from the constant attention he receives.

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