Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child Checks Into Mental Health Center for Depression

The Destiny's Child singer has reportedly been treated at a mental health facility outside Los Angeles for the past several days after checking herself in.

July 18, 2018

michelle williams getty keipher mckennie — Image via Getty/Keipher McKennie
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Michelle Williams has reportedly checked herself into a mental health facility outside Los Angeles due to a battle with depression.

According to a report from TMZ, the Destiny's Child singer has been treated at the facility for the past several days. In a statement released on Tuesday, Williams said, "For years I have dedicated myself to increasing awareness of mental health and empowering people to recognize when it's time to seek help, support and guidance from those that love and care for your wellbeing. I recently listened to the same advice I have given to thousands around the world and sought help from a great team of healthcare professionals."

The 37-year-old singer has been open about her struggle with depression in the past. During a 2017 interview with The Talk, she explained, "I've been suffering since the age of 13, I didn't know what to call it [...] I'm in one of the top-selling female groups of all time [Destiny's Child], suffering with depression. When I disclosed it to our manager [Matthew Knowles] at the time, bless his heart, he was like 'y'all just signed a multi-million dollar deal, you're about to go on tour, what do you have to be depressed about.' So I was like, "maybe I'm just tired." She continued, "It got really bad...I was suicidal."

Tuesday's news was met with messages of support from fellow members of the music world. Missy Elliott tweeted, "I want to lift our sis up in prayer because there are so many people battling this and many trying to deal with it alone."

One of Destiny's Child's original members, LaTavia Roberson, also made a point of publicly supporting Williams by tweeting, "Today you showed the world why [you're] a class act! Depression is real especially in our community. This is why I believe in live out loud and in color. Keep shining. Love ya sis."

Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles Lawson, commented under Williams' statement on Instagram with a message of love. "Michelle My Bell, I’m soo proud of you!" she wrote. "You have given unselfishly of your time and support to so many and I know that you will be the best example of self care which we all need. Keep being a warrior and an advocate for you. I love and support you with all my being. I so love and admire you amazing courage."