The singer said Fastlife’s disappointing performance triggered panic attacks and forced him to rethink success and self-worth.

Joe Jonas has opened up about one of the most difficult periods of his career, revealing that the disappointing performance of his 2011 solo album Fastlife prompted him to seek therapy for the first time.

Speaking on the Jonas Brothers’ Hey Jonas! podcast, Jonas said he had placed significant expectations on the album after experiencing the huge success of the Jonas Brothers.

When Fastlife failed to perform as he had hoped, Jonas said he began experiencing panic attacks and physical pain. After several medical examinations found no physical explanation for his symptoms, a doctor suggested that he try therapy.

Jonas said the disappointment was particularly difficult because he had connected the album’s commercial performance with his own sense of self-worth.

“I had a lot of high expectations of success without you guys,” Jonas recalled, explaining that he had begun to believe a successful solo career would prove that he could establish himself independently of his brothers.

The experience created an unhealthy connection between his professional achievements and his personal value.

Joe Jonas recalls first therapy experience

Jonas initially had reservations about therapy but eventually agreed to speak with a professional.

He recalled becoming emotional during his first session, saying he cried for about an hour after being asked the opening question. The experience helped him recognise the value of having someone outside his family and friends to talk to about his struggles.

Jonas said therapy subsequently became an important part of his life and helped him navigate other difficult periods.

He also recalled taking long bike rides during that period as a way of stepping away from the pressure and criticism surrounding his career.

 ‘Fastlife’ struggled after Jonas Brothers success

Jonas released Fastlife when he was around 21 or 22. The album debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 before falling to No. 122 in its second week.

The performance was especially difficult for Jonas after the Jonas Brothers had become accustomed to major chart success and sold-out tours.

Nearly 15 years later, Jonas returned to solo music with Music for People Who Believe in Love, released in May 2025.

The album marked a stronger commercial result for the singer, becoming his first solo release to reach the top 10 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart. It debuted at No. 3.