NEWSDestiny's Child Singer Michelle Williams Reveals Struggle With Depression
Jan. 17 2013, Published 8:00 a.m. ET
She has beauty, success, talent, and wealth — but that all meant nothing when Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams was in the throes of depression.
The singer-actress has revealed that she battled with the darkness of the mental illness for years but in recent months has emerged from the debilitating condition.
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"I've dealt with depression," Michelle, 32, told The Huffington Post. "I had to choose to get out of bed and do whatever I needed to do to be happy."
Michelle shot to fame with band members Beyonce and Kelly Rowland and after an eight year hiatus of releasing new music together, the popular girl group recently announced they have reunited to release a new album, Love Songs.
The performer, who is currently rehearsing for the new tour of Fela! that stars later this month, says she first got hit with depression when she was 15 or 16 but had managed to avoid going on medication.
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"We're taught, 'Just go to church and pray about it. The Lord is going to heal you,'" she said.
"Well in the meantime, I believe God-gifted people, physicians, doctors, therapists — that's your healing. Take advantage of it.
"Go see a professional so that they can assess you. It's OK if you're going through something. Depression is not OK, but it is OK to go get help."
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Michelle revealed that it was a mixture of exercise, therapy and having positive thoughts that helped her recover.
The tiny star has apparently got even leaner as she rehearses for the stage show, based on the life of the late Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, where she will be singing and dancing.
"I know it doesn't look like I eat," Michelle admitted. "I'm just blessed with a high metabolism right now. I'm having a time trying to gain weight."
Do you think stars like Michelle speaking out about depression helps people? Let us know your thoughts below or tweet us @OKMagazine!
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