Suzanne Shaw has candidly discussed her mental health battle and admitted that she has been sober for nine months after ‘self-medicating’ with alcohol.
In a new interview, the singer, 38, who found fame in Hear’Say in 2000, also revealed that she wants another baby but worries about postnatal depression.
Suzanne suffered with ‘extreme paranoia’ and ‘dark thoughts’ following the birth of her two sons Corey, 15 and Rafferty, four.
Candid: Suzanne Shaw has candidly discussed her mental health battle and admitted that she has been sober for nine months after ‘self-medicating’ with alcohol (pictured in February)
The singer, bravely shared her secret mental health battle earlier this year and revealed that she has been on antidepressants for 20 years.
Talking in this week’s Closer magazine, Suzanne admitted that she wants another baby with her fiancé Sam Greenfield but worries for her mental health. She shares son Corey with actor ex Darren Day.
She said: ‘Paranoia was a big factor of my last bout of postnatal depression. It was extreme. I hated myself, too, and had such dark thoughts.
‘I would like to have another baby but am really worried, as I don’t want to have another horrible episode. I’m in a really good place and pregnancy does mess with hormones, I just want to get a little bit stronger, but I am thinking about it.’
Her family: In a new interview, the singer, 38, who found fame in Hear’Say in 2000, also revealed that she wants another baby but worries about postnatal depression (pictured with fiancé Sam Greenfield and sons Corey and Rafferty, now 15 and four, in 2017)
Postnatal depression is a form of the mental-health condition that affects more than one in 10 women in the UK and US within a year of giving birth.
Symptoms can include persistent sadness, lack of enjoyment, insomnia, struggling to bond with your baby, frightening thoughts or withdrawing from others.
Treatments can include self-help, such as talking to loved ones, resting when you can and making time to do things you enjoy. Therapy may also be prescribed.
In severe cases where other options have not helped, antidepressants may be recommended. Doctors will prescribe ones that are safe to take while breastfeeding.
Brave: The singer, bravely shared her secret mental health battle earlier this year and revealed that she has been on antidepressants for 20 years (pictured in 2019)
Suzanne also revealed during the interview that she has been sober for nine months after ‘self-medicating’ with alcohol, which ‘impacted’ her family.
She recalled: ‘I would self-medicate with alcohol after a hard day but then I would wake up the next day after a binge-drinking session and feel so low. I’d cancel weekend plans and have a duvet day. That did impact my family.’
The star also shared that her depression ‘impacted’ her relationship with Sam as she tried to ‘push him away’ over the years as she has issues with trust.
‘Self-medicating’: Suzanne also revealed during the interview that she has been sober for nine months after ‘self-medicating’ with alcohol, which ‘impacted’ her family (pictured together in 2018)
Yet despite her battle, Suzanne sweetly revealed that they have ‘stayed strong’ and he ‘hasn’t gone anywhere’.
The star has credited her new vegan diet, going sober and running at helping her keep on track with her mental health and getting her through ‘demons’ that still pop up.
Suzanne added that quitting booze has given her so much ‘confidence’ and it’s the ‘best thing I’ve ever done’.
Fame: The singer was just 18 when she found fame on Popstars The Rivals and formed the band Hear’Say with the likes of Myleene Klass and Kym Marsh (pictured in 2000)
The singer was just 18 when she found fame on Popstars The Rivals and formed the band Hear’Say with the likes of Myleene Klass and Kym Marsh.
However, she admitted she struggled with being in the spotlight as it is so competitive and she struggles with rejection.
Suzanne revealed that as much as she loves the entertainment industry, it is not good for her mental health and she is considering moving to the wellness sector.
If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
Struggle: However, she admitted she struggled with being in the spotlight as it is so competitive and she struggles with rejection (pictured with the band in 2002)