Mel C opens up about depression she kept 'secret' for years

Photo credit: Karwai Tang

From Red Online

After almost of year of coronavirus restrictions which — for many of us — have meant staying away from loved ones and giving up our daily routine and hobbies, it's understandable that there are lots of people struggling from anxiety and depression.

And in a recent interview, Mel C explained just how important it is not to suffer in silence, as she did.

'It’s so important to reach out and never, ever be embarrassed. We all have problems and concerns. People need people,' she told The Graham Norton Radio Show on Virgin Radio.

The Spice Girl was diagnosed with depression more than two decades ago and has openly admitted she was too 'ashamed' to talk about it at first, but speaking up was an essential part of her getting well again, and she would implore anyone else going through their own battles not to suffer in silence:

'I kept those secret and I think people are quite aware of it around you but they don't know how to approach you. I think I would have just said ‘people love you and care about you, please reach out to them' ... So often you need that external help, you have to be ready, but you do need help and personally for me I needed professional help.'

The star, who has also battled with eating disorders over the years, added: 'If anybody close to me was going through it [depression], I think you just need to reach out when you're depressed… I’ve suffered with an eating disorder as well.

'I think a lot of people feel very ashamed and very embarrassed about it like it's a weakness and you've lost this control... It’s so important to reach out and never, ever be embarrassed.'

Common signs of depression that someone struggling might experience include:

• feeling down, upset or tearful

• feeling restless, agitated or irritable

• feeling guilty, worthless and down on yourself

• feeling empty and numb

• feeling isolated and unable to relate to other people

• finding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoy

• a sense of unreality

• no self-confidence or self-esteem

• hopeless and despairing

• feeling suicidal

If you feel you might be suffering from depression contact your GP or, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, Mind are on hand to help guide you toward the best course of treatment.

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