Suzanne Shaw has said she has “struggled” with depression and anxiety for nearly two decades.
The former Emmerdale actress and ex-Hear’Say singer told the Runner’s World magazine she gave up alcohol for a year and has since got rid of the feeling of “self-loathing” she had before.
“I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for more than 18 years,” Shaw, 39, said.
(Ian West/PA)
“But it was only recently that I felt ready to open up about it because I wanted things to change.
“For years, I had been hoping my mental health issues would just go away, but it never happened; instead, I was having more dark days.”
She added she gave up alcohol for a year after developing an “unhealthy” relationship with it.
“Along with eating rubbish and hiding away when I was anxious, I would turn to drink as a quick fix,” she said.
“I became an ambassador for One Year No Beer, where there is a supportive community while you are on its programme.
“Not only do I now not have hangovers, I also don’t have the self-loathing I had before.”
Read the full Suzanne Shaw interview in the April issue of Runner’s World UK, on sale now.
Suzanne Shaw says she has ‘struggled’ with depression and anxiety
