Michelle Williamsis speaking candidly about hermental healthjourney.
Whileappearing virtuallyonGood Morning AmericaThursday to promote her new book,Checking In, the 41-year-old singer chatted about her mental health and how she wasn’t officially diagnosed with depression until later in life.
WhenGMAco-hostRobin Robertsasked how she sought help after going undiagnosed since she was a teenager, Williams said, “I found help when my responses — just the anger and the irritability and the bitterness — was just out of character for me.”
“And I just sought some help and that’s when I got a diagnosis in my 30s that it was in fact depression,” theDestiny’s Childalum continued.
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In July 2018, Williams — who has said she has struggled with depression since she was 13 years old — announced that sheturned to health care professionalsto reach a healthier headspace.
“For years I have dedicated myself to increasing awareness of mental health and empowering people to recognize when it’s time to seek help, support and guidance from those that love and care for your wellbeing,” the “Say Yes” singerwroteon Instagram at the time. “I recently listened to the same advice I have given to thousands around the world and sought help from a great team of healthcare professionals.”
RELATED VIDEO: Destiny’s Child Michelle Williams Reveals She Recently ‘Sought Help’ for Mental Health Issues
Now, Williams hopes that sharing her story with the public will help others who may be going through a similar struggle.
May isMental Health Awareness Monthacross the U.S., and Roberts, 60, asked the artist what inspired her to speak out now.
“To definitely silence the shame and amplify one’s courage and bravery to say, ‘I’m not feeling okay. My responses and reactions are a little out of character,’ " Williams said Thursday.
“I need help are the strongest words a person can say,” she continued. “There are times when I’m not the most vulnerable, but in the past three years, I’ve had no choice.”
Checking In: How Getting Real about Depression Saved My Life — and Can Save Yourswill be available to purchase on May 25.
If you or someone you know need mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
source: people.com
