Ex- Destiny's Child star's battle with depression is a lesson to all women

Michelle Williams revealed that she has checked herself into a health facility in order to get help with her

The 37-year-old Destiny's Child songstress 'is getting treated in a facility just outside of Los Angeles' according to TMZ.

Williams spoke on television show 'The Talk' last year about her struggles with depression over the years and admitted feeling 'suicidal'. She 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.''

The Talk 'Destiny's Child' Michelle Williams Candid on Depression

It was thought that she had overcome her struggles but in a recent statement, Michelle reveals that she has decided to seek professional help.

In a statement to the gossip site on Tuesday, Michelle wrote:

'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.

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.'

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Tina Lawson, Beyonce's mother responded with words of encouragement, love and support for Michelle who she sees as a daughter.

The gospel singer recently accepted a proposal from pastor and life coach Michelle shared a photo of her stunning diamond engagement ring with the caption: 'On March 21, 2018, the love of my life @chadjohnson77 proposed and I said “Yesssssssss.....I will, I will, I will!!!”' The two met one year ago at a spiritual retreat in Arizona run by Johnson.

Why is Michelle's statement so important? Well, women are twice as likely than men to suffer from depression. They are also up to three times more apt to suffer from anxiety disorders or to attempt suicide.

Depression, often known as the silent killer is more prevalent in today's society, partly due to the influence of social media with more scrutiny being placed on people's lives and more people being negatively influenced by what they perceive to be other people 'living the perfect life'. Social media has a lot to answer for, for distorting people's perception of reality which in turn has a negative impact on their mental wellbeing.

For someone like Michelle who has been constantly in the public eye, being compared to her Destiny's Child band mates Kelly and Beyonce has had a significant impact on her confidence. The hashtag #PoorMichelle was created to highlight all the times Michelle had been overshadowed.

It's brilliant that Michelle chose to seek help but many still suffer in silence. Let Michelle's bravery serve as a lesson to everybody battling with depression that help is just a phone call away and there is no shame in seeking treatment.

We wish Michelle all the best on her journey.