Justin Bieber has opened up about how fame makes him feel isolated in an interview with NME.

He spoke frankly of how stressful and intrusive the tabloids have been, saying he felt like he was held to a higher standard than other guys his age because events in his life unfolded in the public eye.

'I just want people to know I’m human. I’m struggling just to get through the days. I think a lot of people are. You get lonely, you know, when you’re on the road. People see the glam and the amazing stuff, but they don’t know the other side. This life can rip you apart.'

He spoke about identifying with the struggle of the late Amy Winehouse in the interview:

 'I watched the Amy Winehouse documentary [Amy] on the plane and I had tears in my eyes because I could see what the media was doing to her, how they were treating her.’

Bieber’s newest album Purpose is out now, and features collaborations with artists like Skrillex and Kanye West. Justin and Kanye hit it off creatively: “His advice is always just, ‘make music that’s so good people can’t hate on it’.”

Bieber’s experience is not unusual, with many celebrities who were famous at a very young age struggling to cope with the scrutiny and gruelling schedules that come with fame. Many have spoken out about the toll it has taken on their mental health.

It's hard to imagine what that level of stress feels like, so maybe we should give the guy a break.