HEALTHJoshua Bassett Opens Up About Health Crisis That Led Him to 'Accept Jesus' in New Poetry Book
Joshua Bassett revealed his health crisis, suicidal thoughts and spiritual awakening in his book.
Aug. 22 2026, Published 3:00 p.m. ET
Joshua Bassett discusses his past struggles with suicidal ideation in his new poetry book, Rookie: My Public, Private and Secret Life.
The 25-year-old actor and singer reflects on a pivotal health scare he faced in January 2021, when he was hospitalized for heart failure and septic shock shortly after his 20th birthday.
Joshua Bassett wrote about his January 2021 hospitalization for heart failure and septic shock in his poetry book.
In a poignant poem titled “Mom, I think I’m Dying,” Bassett details his tumultuous journey.
“Though I walked out of the hospital miraculously healed, my road to recovery was far from a straight line,” he wrote, revealing the emotional challenges that followed his physical healing.
The actor faced intense scrutiny from fans, particularly surrounding the release of Olivia Rodrigo’s hit song “Drivers License,” which sparked speculation about his relationship with Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter.
Joshua Bassett said public pressure surrounding Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter added to his struggles during that period.
The pressures of public life compounded his struggles, and Bassett admits he turned to drugs during this difficult time.
“At rock bottom, I had an encounter with God that gave me the peace I’d sought all my life, redefining what matters most: not success or survival — but to love and be loved,” he shares, highlighting a significant turning point in his life.
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Joshua Bassett described experiencing suicidal thoughts and severe emotional distress after leaving the hospital.
In another poem, “On the Edge of the Third Story Balcony,” Bassett recalls a moment of desperation.
“I gazed down at the Burbank street, praying I would fall,” he wrote, expressing the deep emotional pain he experienced.
He describes how feelings of shame, fear and paranoia overwhelmed him, pushing him to the edge.
Fortunately, Bassett found the strength to reach out for help.
“I wanted to live,” he wrote, explaining how a friend’s support helped him regain clarity and overcome his darkest thoughts.
This experience emphasizes the importance of mental health and seeking support during challenging times.
Later in his poetry, Bassett reveals a spiritual awakening, sharing how he called his father to help him “accept Jesus.”
He recalls, “I literally cannot express to you the peace that I felt in that moment,” indicating a profound change in his perspective on life and faith.
Rookie: My Public, Private, and Secret Life is now available, offering readers a glimpse into Bassett’s journey.
