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Mark Feehily has spoken out about being in a “dark place” before he came out as gay.
The former Westlife star has opened up about his experience of depression in an interview with Attitude.
“Being the only person who knew me meant my world was a very lonely place to be,” he explained. “I would spend ages wondering if I would ever be able to fix the situation.
“Could I ever tell my friends and parents that I was gay? I felt there was no end to the situation and felt lonely and depressed because I had no one to turn to.
“I became depressed. People think, ‘How could he have any problems?’ But (while) my career was fulfilled, my personal life was a total shambles. I used to just crave companionship and love.”
Mark was a member of boy band Westlife.
He continued: “I used to stay in my hotel room. I’d be there for hours, days sometimes, and I had no motivation to go outside. I thought to myself, ‘If I can’t be myself, why bother?’”
“My mind went to some very dark places… I went to see a counselor. It was hard to make that appointment as there’s a little taboo surrounding mental health, but now I know that being low or even depressed isn’t something to be ashamed of.”
The singer went on to say that counselling changed his life for the better and he is now a big supporter of charities which help those affected by depression.
