Michelle Williams says she suffered from depression while she was in Destiny's Child

Singer said she also had mental health issues as a teenager

Michelle Williams (right) performs with Kelly Rowland and Beyonce as Destiny's Child for the 2013 Super Bowl halftime show

Former Destiny's Child star Michelle Williams has opened up about her battle with depression and mental health issues while she was in Destiny's Child.

Speaking on CBS show The Talk, she noted how she had dealt with mental health issues as a teenager before joining Destiny's Child aged 20.

It was only when she reached her thirties that she understood exactly what it was she was dealing with.

"For years, I'm in one of the top-selling female groups of all time suffering with depression," sh said.

"It got really really bad... I was suicidal," she said. "I was in that place where it got so dark and heavy because sometimes you feel like 'I'm the provider, I take care of people, I'm not supposed to be feeling this way - what do I do?' I wanted out."

She said that her experience had inspired her to speak out to "normalise this mental health discussion".

Williams is a growing number of artists speaking out about mental health.

Last year Kid Cudi checked himself into a rehab programme for depression and suicidal urges, and posted an honest statement on Facebook about mental health.

UK artists including Stormzy, Nothing But Thieves frontman Conor Mason and Ady Suleiman have spoken out to encourage fans to feel comfortable with talking about their issues.

For confidential help and support call Samaritans free on 116 123 in the UK or email jo@samaritans.org

Follow Independent Culture on Facebook