Robbie Williams has spoken candidly about his mental health, explaining how anti-depressants have helped him this year.
The former Take That singer is on the cover of this week’s Radio Times, and tells the magazine that he’s had a “weird” year.
When asked about his well-documented battles with addiction, he says: “They’ve been all right. But it happens to coincide with finding a different medication. For real. It’s called Brintellix.
“I had a really weird summer. Just couldn’t connect with anybody, apart from my wife [Ayda Field].
“I didn’t know how to talk to anybody, even people who are with me every day. I was isolated, in my head.”
“It was troublesome and sad. Then I tried this anti-depressant and things have changed. The demons are quiet.”
Robbie has opened up about mental health and addiction a number of times in the past, and his wife Ayda has also discussed his issues publicly.
Speaking on ‘Loose Women’ earlier this year, she addressed his depression, stating: “There was a moment in his life where he thought life would end and he thought he couldn’t exist any further.
“But there was a light at the end of the tunnel and, with the help of those closest to him, he came out of the darkness.
“It just goes to show you that even as dark as things can seem, there is a way out and if you can start the dialogue and if you can start to shift in your mind and you have that support system - whether it’s your friends or therapists or someone that you call at Samaritans - there is a way to muddle through it and to come out the other side.”
The singer is currently promoting his latest album, ‘The Heavy Entertainment Show’, which went to number one when it was released earlier this month.
Read Robbie’s full interview in the latest issue of Radio Times.
Useful websites and helplines:Mind, open Monday to Friday,9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393 Samaritans offers a listeningservice which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.) Get Connected is a freeadvice service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@getconnected.org.uk