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The Wiggles’ Anthony Field opens up about battle with depression
Blue Wiggle Anthony Field has spoken out about his lifelong mental health battle and struggles with depression.
The 58-year-old, who has been a part of the iconic children’s band since its formation 30 years ago, opened up to The Daily Telegraph and encouraged other men to talk about their health.
“My struggles with depression and other mental health issues are only a bad day or bad week away unless I monitor how I’m feeling and reach out and talk to close friends or medical professionals when I feel myself spiralling down,” he said.
“It’s so important that men talk about their health, as we have a tendency to bottle things up. I’ve had personal experiences of mental health challenges and have seen the impact it can have when people don’t seek help.”
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Anthony added that he believes it is “liberating and cathartic” to cry and let yourself cry in front of others, admitting that he did it just last week.
The father-of-three, who began experiencing issues with his mental health in his early 20s, has been vocal about his struggles throughout his career and first revealed his depression diagnosis to the public back in 2007.
“People look at you and say, ‘What have you got to be depressed about?’,” he told The Daily Telegraph at the time. “[Depression] is a physical thing that sometimes I just can’t reason my way out of.”
Anthony’s candid comments come shortly after Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins announced her departure from the group after 11 years.
The 32-year-old will say goodbye at the end of this year and hand over her famous skivvy to a new Yellow Wiggle, 15-year-old Tsehay Hawkins.
“Like many people around the world, the pandemic has given me time to reflect on what is important in life,” she said in a statement last month.
“For me, that means spending more time at home, something that I didn’t realise I was missing out on being away eight months of the year on tour, but something that I have really cherished over the last 18 months.”
Emma went on to say that she is “eternally grateful” to The Wiggles for allowing her to be the first female in the band, and she has “an abundance of bowtiful memories” she will treasure for the rest of her life.
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
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