10 April 2024 , 18:16
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Robbie Williams revealed speaking up about his mental health is the 'only reason he's still here'.
The Take That icon, 50, has been open about his mental health and past struggles with fans. After learning about mental health charity, Andy's Man Club, he reached out to the group and shared the heartfelt admission about himself as he praised the charity's work.
Andy's Man Club, formed in 2016 by Luke Ambler and his mother-in-law Elaine after his brother-in-law Andy took his own life, shared Robbie's message on their profile. Robbie told them: "Hey guys, I found out about your organisation yesterday. It's blown me away. I'm only here because I talked. I'm only here because I asked for help and then took it.
"Thankfully the stigma around mental health is coming down but I realise for a lot of men in particular, there is still a long way to go. I want to send a big man hug to all who help facilitate this beautiful cause. I'm also sending a few people over *digitally* to offer up and hug and a cuddle. Rest in paradise Andy. RW x."
Robbie shared a heartfelt message on the charity's page (Getty Images for Chopard)The charity responded to his sweet message, writing: "Thank you so much @robbiewilliams for your support. So appreciated! An amazing post to your followers on who we are and what we do, we're in no doubt that plenty of people who are in need of support will see this post, eight years on from losing Andy. Thank you."
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Between 2006 and 2009, Robbie struggled with agoraphobia, a social anxiety disorder that left him caged in his home for three years. He also entered rehab in 2007 after struggling with drink and drug addictions. Just last year, he opened up about 'slitting his wrists' after wanting to end his life.
Robbie said: “Thank God mental health is being talked about in a different way. I read something that triggered me, somebody talking about celeb washing of mental illnesses. And celebs making mental health issues sexy. There is nothing sexy about taking a knife and slashing your own wrists that I did. We need to be careful about what we say and how we say it."
When asked to clarify what he meant, he further explained: “I am on about me slashing my own wrists. The reason I say that is to qualify people are people, whether they are on MAFS [Married At First Sight] or Martin Scorsese’s new film. We need to be careful what we accuse people of. You think such and such is laying it on thick for attention saying they have autism. It is not OK.”
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.