Suzanne Shaw reveals secret 18-year mental health battle

Emmerdale and Hear’Say star Suzanne Shaw has revealed her struggles with depression and anxiety.

The mother-of-two, 39, spoke to the latest issue of Runner’s World about how she has battled with her mental health for nearly two decades, and that she only recently opened up about it because she ‘wanted things to change’.

‘I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for more than 18 years,’ she explained. ‘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.’

The singer and actress has turned to running as a form of therapy.

‘I now need to run at least three times a week or it feels as if I am missing my therapy,’ she shared. ‘I love it, as it gives me the headspace to deal with what is happening in my life.

‘Since turning to a plant-based diet, daily meditation and a more mindful approach to life, I feel so full of energy. I only wish I had discovered running sooner.’

Suzanne explained that being in a soap left her little time to keep on top of her fitness regime, while being in pop group Hear’Say, with the likes of Kym Marsh and Myleene Klass, allowed her the time to keep healthy.

‘When I found instant stardom with Hear’Say, I had a good base level of fitness, thanks to all my dancing and gym sessions,’ she explained. ‘We must have been the fittest group about, as we were always working out for shows and tours.

‘Back then, fitness wasn’t something I enjoyed but what I did to do my job.

‘When I joined the cast of Emmerdale, my fitness really began to slide. I piled on weight because there’s lots of sitting around and eating biscuits between scenes.

‘Before then, I was dancing in a pop group or appearing in West End shows, not just saying my lines.

‘I gave up alcohol for a year after I had developed 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.

‘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.’

Hear’Say formed on talent show Popstars, in 2000, but they split in 2002 when Suzanne was only 21.

She featured on the third series of Dancing On Ice in 2008, winning the show. She joined Emmerdale in 2010 but only appeared on the series for a year.

Suzanne welcomed a son with Darren Day in 2004 but split from Darren eventually. She was married to DJ Jason King from 2009 – 2012.

In 2015 she welcomed her second son, this time with fiancé Sam Greenfield.  

Read the full Suzanne Shaw interview in the April 2021 issue of Runner’s World UK, on sale now, and available as a digital edition.