"Depression is a thief:" singer Michelle Williams opens up about mental health struggles

Record ID: 1620023

  • Title: "Depression is a thief:" singer Michelle Williams opens up about mental health struggles
  • Date: 2nd June 2021
  • Summary: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (JUNE 1, 2021) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) SINGER MICHELLE WILLIAMS SAYING: "Every time we've gotten together, it's always been a surprise. But nothing is truly - this is not the politically correct answer, nothing is in the works at the moment. But if it were, I wouldn't be able to say nothing anyway."
  • Embargoed: 16th June 2021 18:53
  • Keywords: beyonce book depression destiny's child kelly rowland mental health michelle williams
  • Location: NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK + SANTA MONICA + LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA + NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA + CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA + LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, UNITED STATES / UNKNOWN LOCATION / MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
  • City: NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK + SANTA MONICA + LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA + NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA + CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA + LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, UNITED STATES / UNKNOWN LOCATION / MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Arts/Culture/Entertainment,Music,United States
  • Reuters ID: LVA00GEFPLE8D
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Singer Michelle Williams is advocating for mental health protection by revealing her personal journey with depression and anxiety.
    In May, the Destiny's Child singer released her first book, "Checking In" which details intimate and never-told-before stories about juggling depression, fame and success.
    "I just wanted to write the book to bring people in on my journey and let people know that they are not alone and that it's okay if you feel like you need to get therapy. And maybe try to put language to what you might have been feeling," said Williams.
    Williams first revealed her mental health struggles in 2013 and worried that she would be viewed as the 'depressed one' and as a liability when it came to work.
    In 2018, she realized she needed to get consistent help after being faced with feelings of hopelessness and wanting to check out: "I felt like my work on earth was done, I'd done everything that a human could possibly do."
    The singer describes depression as a thief and assassin that steals your happiness and joy.
    "It robs you of productivity, productivity, even just to get out and enjoy the fresh air, because all you want to do is stay in the bed. You don't want to wash up. You don't want to do nothing. I was there, I was there, I was like, I don't want to be stinky," Williams said with a laugh.
    Tennis star Naomi Osaka recently withdrew from the French Open after refusing to talk to the media during the tournament citing mental health concerns. Williams saluted the move, saying often times the media doesn't understand that celebrities are humans with hearts and emotions no matter how great someone is at their craft.
    "I know for me, I get anxiety doing a red carpet because you don't know, okay, what do I have to face after the flashes go off….For her to do what she felt was best for her at the age of 23. Hats off, literally, hats off."
    As one third of one of the top female R&B groups of all time, Williams considers Beyonce and Kelly Rowland sisters for life and said they regularly check in with and support each other.
    "I'm excited to have relationships with women who take control and make sure that they do what they have to do. They check in to make sure - they are wives and mothers as well. So, they have to be to millions of people on the outside, but they got to be healthy for the core, for the core of their household. And I'm, and I'm so proud of how they are achieving and finding balance through it all."
    At this point, Williams said there are no plans for the group to reunite.
    Williams hopes to help erase the stigma on depression with three pillars outlines in her book: check in with yourself, others and God.
    (Production: Alicia Powell)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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