Speaking with the Australian Women's Weekly magazine, singer Olivia Newton-John revealed that she had struggled with depression following the disappearance of her long-time partner Patrick McDermott.
McDermott disappeared in 2005 under mysterious circumstances. While it was first thought he had drowned off the coast of California, it was later reported that he had been seen in Mexico and may have faked his death.
“There was a time in the past couple of years after Patrick disappeared when I was very depressed,” said Newton-John. "I am not embarrassed to say that when I was at my worst I took anti-depressants because I think people need to hear that. I think if you are in a dark place where you can't pull yourself out, you may need to ask for help.”
Newton-John hopes that by coming forward about her own depression she can help others who may be struggling. "The reason I feel passionate about this is because a lovely, lovely sweet man who worked for me committed suicide recently,” said Newton-John. "He was gay and didn't feel he could tell anyone. I was a support for him, but in the end he couldn't handle it. If he had been brave enough to ask for help, maybe he could have got through it. Seeing now what can happen to people when they can't express themselves makes it so important to encourage them to get help because it can save a life.”
The interview will appear in the November issue.
Photo: Michael Buckner / Getty Images.
Thirty years ago, I felt I had nothing to live for. I was extremely lucky to survive two suicide attempts. The second time, it took a very persistent effort at CPR to bring me back. There have been so many good things in my life, since then, that I thank God every day I’m still alive. I still take anti-depressants daily, but most people have no idea about any of this, unless I tell them. There are many, effective ways to treat depression, but like many others, I was afraid to admit how I really felt. Now, I understand that part of the cause of my depression is genetic. Sadly, we only realized this after my cousin took his own life, a few years ago.