Michelle Williams Opens Up About Battling Depression

Destiny's Child singer and actress Michelle Williams revealed this week that she's struggled with depression since she was a teenager — and she credits therapy and self-motivation for helping her through it.

"I had to choose to get out of bed and do whatever I needed to do to be happy," Williams told the Associated Press.

Now 32, Williams said she suffered her first bout of depression when she was 15 or 16. She has not relied on medication for it, and has instead turned to doctors and therapists. She said she's now speaking out to encourage others to seek help.

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"Go see a professional so that they can assess you," she told the AP. "It's OK if you're going through something. Depression is not OK, but it is OK to go get help."

Williams is starring in the touring production of Fela! that kicks off next month. She also is working on a solo album and recorded a song last month that she co-wrote with the recently-reunited Destiny's Child.