DENISE: ‘It’s never too late to turn your life around’
As she celebrates five years being sober, TV star Denise Welch reveals how she has beaten her demons
i no longer fear depression…
I’ve had severe clinical depression since my eldest son, Matt, 28 [Denise is also mum to Louis, 16] was born. It’s so isolating. I drank to make myself feel better, but the episode of depression would last three times as long. I’m kinder towards myself nowadays and I don’t fear depression as much as I used to. I haven’t got much control over when it happens but, the difference is, I allow it to happen now and it’ll usually leave much quicker.
i’m finally body Confident
After I quit drinking in 2012, I comfort ate in a way that wasn’t normal. I’d binge on cheesecake and thought I deserved it for giving up booze. I’ve since lost 2st through healthy eating and exercise and, while I’d look better if I lost a further stone, I refuse to worry about being skinny because, for me, it looks unnatural. On Loose Women, I was so aware of the monitors and how I looked on camera but, these days, I worry less. I have cellulite and a wobbly tummy, but I’m healthier than ever.
quitting booze has altered everything
There isn’t an area of my life that hasn’t been improved by sobriety. I became powerless over alcohol and didn’t like who I’d become. I was in denial about how much I was upsetting my family. The more I drank the more it compounded my mental health issues. It was a vicious cycle. My husband Lincoln, 44, and I stopped drinking alcohol at the same time and I wouldn’t have lasted if we hadn’t done it together. We’re very proud of ourselves.
it’s never too late to Change
I’m amazed that after years of misuse my body hasn’t let me down. When the big 6-0 is looming, people think a part of their life is already over. I’m living proof that whether it’s booze, fags or excess food, change is always achievable. I’ve retrained my thinking to recognise I’m lucky to have a body in working order. I’ve changed how I think about ageing – I refuse to say I’m nearly 60. Instead, I say I’m only 58 and I could have another 30 or 40 years ahead of me. I’m also with someone who’s 15 years younger than I am and he absolutely adores me!
ditch negative people
People thought Carol Mcgiffin was my drinking buddy but she was one of the first people to notice I had a problem and was so supportive when I quit booze. Anyone who was an enabler in my life has gone. I treasure the relationships I have with my children and I’m still good friends with my ex, Tim Healy.