Michelle Williams shared her gratitude for how her Destiny’s Child’s bandmates Beyonce and Kelly Rowland have supported her amid her mental health battle.
The singer, 41, made an appearance on Monday’s edition of Loose Women to discuss her new book Checking In: How Getting Real about Depression Saved My Life—and Can Save Yours.
Reflecting on her mental health over the years, Michelle admitted she wished she’d told Beyonce and Kelly earlier about her struggles.
‘They’ve been so supportive of me’: Destiny’s Child star Michelle Williams gushed on Monday’s Loose Women about how much bandmates Beyonce and Kelly Rowland have helped her
Michelle explained: ‘We were going through big times, we were having so much fun. When I got into Destiny’s Child it was a moving train. It was like I was in London and hopped on one of the moving trains and we had to go.
‘I was having so much fun and they were lifesaving to me, these were two girls who showed loyalty and love and just like, “Come on girl, thanks for joining the team.” So it was actually a good season for me.’
She went on to explain how her depression was once dismissed by a member of the band’s team, when she approached them to reveal her struggle.
Michelle said: ‘I did have a moment though where I felt I was depressed and I went to someone on the team and he goes, “No, you guys are about to go on tour, you’ve just signed a multimillion dollar deal and you all have Barbie dolls, you’ve got so much goodness going on”.
Thoughts: Reflecting on her mental health over the years, Michelle admitted she wished she’d told Beyonce and Kelly earlier about her struggles (pictured together in 2001)
Support: Michelle said of the pair, ‘I was having so much fun and they were lifesaving to me, these were two girls who showed loyalty and love’
‘But I spoke to that person in 2017 about that statement and he said, “Had I known then what we all know now about depression, my response would have been way different.”
‘But back in the early 2000s it wasn’t really talked about and if it was, it was really quietly shared.’
Michelle went on to heap praise on the pair, referring to how she and Beyonce had watched Kelly give birth via Zoom.
She said: ‘If anyone in this world doubts the validity and the genuine nature of our relationship, the fact I watched my sister give birth should let everyone know all is well, we love each other.
Struggle: But Michelle went on to explain how her depression was once dismissed by a member of the band’s team, when she approached them to reveal her mental health battle
‘We’ve got each other’s backs and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them and vice versa.
‘They’ve been so supportive of me during this time and I really wish I would have said something earlier about what’s going on.’
Of Kelly giving birth to son Noah Jon, five months, Michelle added: ‘We got the invitation, but had it not been for a pandemic, we would have been there in person or at least standing outside the delivery room, waiting for the news of the birth.’
The Loose Women panel asked Michelle about why she hadn’t asked for help sooner, and she admitted: ‘My symptoms of depression showed up in the seventh grade, in middle school.
Candid: Michelle said, ‘I did have a moment though where I felt I was depressed and I went to someone on the team and he goes… “you’ve got so much goodness going on” (pictured 2013)
‘I didn’t have a language for it. I didn’t know how to say the word depression, it just wasn’t in my word bank.
‘I didn’t see my first help until I was in my thirties, where I believe I got the first diagnosis of depression, but then it was nine years later that I ended up in the treatment facility. But I’ve had an official diagnosis for about 12 years now.’
She also said of writing her book: ‘It was very therapeutic, it was also amazing to listen back to all the things I’d put in my voice memos.
‘It was amazing to look back at things I had journaled, even when I was in a treatment facility. It was totally restorative, healing and therapeutic.’
Changes: Michelle went on, ‘I spoke to that person in 2017 and he said, “Had I known then what we all know now about depression, my response would have been way different”
In 2018, Michelle revealed that intense therapy sessions ‘saved her life’ and said that she hoped to serve as an ‘ambassador’ to tell others ‘it’s okay to get help.’
‘I have been public about depression since the year 2013, but somehow, people care even more now. And that’s okay, as long as I can be an ambassador and a vessel to tell people it’s okay to get help,’ the singer told DailyMailTV.
‘That executive, that high-profile man or woman; you’re not weak if you go and get treatment. It will save your life. It will save your life.’
Earlier in 2018, Michelle shared an emotional statement to her Instagram where she revealed she had sought help from professionals.
Friends: Michelle said of Beyonce and Kelly (pictured in 2019) ‘They’ve been so supportive of me during this time and I really wish I would have said something earlier'(pictured July 2019)
The star penned: ‘For years I have dedicated myself to increasing awareness of mental health and empowering people to recognise when it’s time to seek help, support and guidance from those that love and care for your wellbeing.
‘I recently listened to the same advice I have given to thousands around the world and sought help from a great team of healthcare professionals.
‘Today I proudly, happily and healthily stand here as someone who will continue to always lead by example as I tirelessly advocate for the betterment of those in need.’
She concluded: If you change your mind, you can change your life.’
Michelle spoke to The Talk in 2017 about her struggles with depression over the years and admitted feeling ‘suicidal’ during the height of her fame with the band.
The singer said: ‘I’ve been suffering [from depression] since between the age of 13 and 15… at that age I didn’t know what to call it.’
Destiny’s Child was officially formed in 1997 consisting of Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, LaTavia and LeToya, releasing their debut self-title album in 1998.
Help: In 2018, Michelle revealed that intense therapy sessions ‘saved her life’ and said she hoped to serve as an ‘ambassador’ to tell others ‘it’s okay to get help’ (pictured in 2018)
But shortly after the release of the 8x platinum second album, The Writings On The Wall, LaTavia and LeToya were ousted from the group. Michelle then joined the group in 2000.
Although Destiny’s Child decided to take a hiatus in 2005, they are still friendly, and Kelly and Michelle both attended the world premiere of Beyonce’s film The Lion King in 2019.
The group has had a few reunions over the years, playing Coachella together in 2018 and the Super Bowl halftime show in 2013.
Raising awareness: Michelle shared an emotional statement to her Instagram where she revealed she had sought help from professionals (pictured)