Jahmene Douglas has publicly thanked his fans for their support after opening up about his mental health issues on Twitter last week. On Friday, the 26-year-old sparked concern when he admitted he was having "suicidal thoughts" in a lengthy post titled, 'This is Me'. "I feel so broken, lost and worthless," he wrote. "It doesn't seem to matter how much I try to fix myself, who I talk to or what I put in place, it always comes back to this." Jermaine was quickly inundated with messages of love from wellwishers, including fellow X Factor singer James Arthur, who tweeted: "Brother I'm here for you. Answer your phone. I know what you're going through. Pick up."
© Photo: Getty ImagesJames Arthur and Jahmene Douglas appeared on The X Factor together in 2012
Now, Jahmene has returned to Twitter to talk openly about the troubling incident. In a new post titled 'Sorry', he said his previous message "wasn't intended as a goodbye, but simply me slipping a note under the prison door to see if anybody knew of an escape". He added: "Unfortunately the Devil still found a way in, but over the past few days I've been kicking him out. I find walking helps, so I walked and walked until my feet hurt."
Jahmene, runner-up to James in the 2012 series of X Factor, also told his fans he considers himself to be an optimistic person and does not think he suffers from depression. But he said his difficult upbringing has led to mental health issues. "I was born into abuse so my complete foundations are crumbling bricks. I feel as though I've lost my identity – the grasp of that which defines me," he confessed. The star then said he will continue to focus on music "as it's the only thing that gives me purpose".
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe 26-year-old said he will continue to focus on his music
He concluded: "An important thing to remember for those who may not understand this is… I didn't choose suicide, it chose me. I cannot control what happens. Like Domestic Violence, suicidal thoughts are harder to function when you are honest and open with those around you with the problem. I was tired of pretending. You should always call the Devil out by his name to drag him out. I know this is down to me and only me to fix it – with God. Many apologies, Jahmene."
