Michelle Williams Reveals Struggle with Depression

With a Broadway musical, a by-line in one of music’s biggest girl groups and a new solo album on the way, it’s crazy to think Michelle Williams has struggled for several years to keep a smile on her face.

The 32-year-old singer/actress revealed her fight with moderate depression and says that a combination of exercise, therapy and optimism has helped her overcome the sadness. “I’ve dealt with depression,” the 32-year-old said while rehearsing for “Fela!” which starts its tour later this month. “I had to choose to get out of bed and do whatever I needed to do to be happy.”

The third member of Destiny’s Child, alongside Beyonce and Kelly Rowland, says her first bout with depression came at 15 or 16 and that she has managed to avoid medication since. She hopes that speaking about her ordeal will help uplift others to seek help.

“We’re taught, ‘Just go to church and pray about it. The Lord is going to heal you.’ Well, in the meantime, I believe God-gifted people, physicians, doctors, therapists — that’s your healing. Take advantage of it,” she said. “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.”

(Continue reading at VIBE…)