Earlier this year, Michelle Williams joined Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland onstage at Coachella for an incredible Destiny’s Child reunion, and Williams is supposedly releasing new music sometime later this year. By all accounts, the singer-songwriter could easily feel as though she were on top of the world — but, depression is indiscriminate, and despite this winning streak, Williams is now reckoning with mental health issues which have reportedly plagued her since her teens.
This week, Williams checked into a mental health facility outside of Los Angeles to deal with depression. The singer-songwriter posted a message for her followers on social media, explaining that she decided to finally listen to “the same advice I have given to thousands around the world” and seek out professional help.
— Michelle Williams (@RealMichelleW) July 17, 2018
Williams’ note reads:
For years I have dedicated myself to increasing awareness of mental health and empowering people to recognize when it’s time to seek help, support and guidance from those that love and care for your well-being.
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.
If you change your mind, you can change your life.
Williams received heartening words of support from both her followers and her celebrity friends, who applauded her candor on the matter:
I want to lift our sis up in prayer because there are so many people battling this & many trying to deal with it alone?Please No jokes this is REAL & as human beings let’s keep the ones who are openly dealing with it uplifted & be encouraging to them! Love u @RealMichelleW❤️ https://t.co/XJEIPkbovf
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) July 17, 2018
Solange Knowles, Missy Elliott Support Michelle Williams After She Sought Help for Mental Health https://t.co/0EaDQUIXOt pic.twitter.com/tWbNJkCO55
— RazzleTazzle (@RazzleTazzleMag) July 18, 2018
@RealMichelleW today you showed the world why your a class act! Depression is real especially in our community. This is why I believe in live out loud and in color. Keep shining Love ya sis ??? your not in this alone!!!!!
— LaTavia Roberson (@IamLaTavia) July 17, 2018
Love to Michelle Williams. Black women and girls, it can be hard out here for us and even harder to share the things we battle in silence. Praying and hoping we all find the support we need during the dark days.
— Christiana Amarachi Mbakwe (@Christiana1987) July 18, 2018
Shoutout to Michelle Williams for prioritizing her mental health and seeking the help she needs with her struggle with depression.
Let her self-awareness inspire others with similar struggles to do the same.
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) July 18, 2018
This is certainly not the first time the former Destiny’s Child member has opened up about her struggles with mental health. During an appearance on The Talk last year, Williams discussed how she grappled with depression in her teens without really understanding it.
“I didn’t know until I was in my thirties what was going on. I just thought it was growing pains,” she said. “I’ve been suffering since the age of between 13 and 15. At that age, I didn’t know what to call it.”
“So many people are walking around acting like they’ve got it all together and they’re suffering.”