Fiona Phillips has opened up about her struggles with depression. Chatting on Lorraine, the TV presenter revealed she's been through some really tough times in recent years, juggling the responsibilities of taking care of her parents who were both suffering with Alzheimer's, with those of being a busy working mum. The pressures combined with her genetics and the onset of menopause left her feeling overwhelmed. "My poor mum, when we were little, she used to lock herself in the room for a day in the dark because she was just so, so depressed," she said. "I think it can run in families as well. Things happen to you… and the menopause - that is a horrible thing! I remember my mum in a real state with her menopause and I just thought, 'It can't be that bad surely' – and yes, it can."
© Photo: ITVFiona opened up about her struggle with depression
Fiona also bravely spoke out about the anxiety she suffered with too. "Anxiety in all sorts of things that you might never had had before. Suddenly you're overwhelmed by things." Lorraine Kelly agreed, saying: "It can happen to any one of us. It's that thing of don't think it's a shameful thing. It's alright!" Fiona, who is presenting Shop Smart Save Money on Channel 5, also spoke about the toll taking care of both her parents took on her. "You have to don't you? Otherwise I would have had two parents with Alzheimer's and be homeless because we wouldn't be able to afford the mortgage. All the time my emotions were torn – I should be with my kids, I should be with my parents… you know what it's like. You have to have a house for your kids and food on the table."
READ: Fiona Phillips opens up about battle with depression: 'It arrives at will. And does its worst'
Fiona recently spoke about her depression to the Daily Express, explaining: "I wasn't good over Easter. I didn't want anyone around me at all. And there was no reason for it. I just woke up one morning and life seemed very bleak. It's always the same: I feel really unworthy. I can't face anyone. I'm going through the menopause too and the mood swings only increase the feeling of vulnerability."
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