THERE’S NO SHAME IN BEING TREATED FOR DEPRESSION

LAST week I announced on national television that I take antidepressants. I was talking to Phillip Schofield and

Holly Willoughby on This Morning, above, during my regular slot answering health questions, and the subject came up.

I noted that, while many millions of people in Britain rely on antidepressants, there’s a certain stigma that surrounds them. Given that they help people cope with sometimes crushing mental health symptoms, and live their lives to their fullest, it’s ridiculous that anyone should feel ashamed in any way, in my view.

So I felt it only right to admit that I, too, take them – as I used to suffer very bad anxiety. It means I don’t now.

There are many ways to deal with mental illness, including therapy and lifestyle changes. But for many, including me, medication is a valid and effective answer, and people shouldn’t be afraid to try it.