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Home / Entertainment

U2 bassist opens up about mental health issues

BANG! Showbiz
10 Apr, 2016 02:00 AM2 mins to read

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Musician Adam Clayton of U2. Photo / Getty Images

Musician Adam Clayton of U2. Photo / Getty Images

Adam Clayton has opened up about his struggle with mental health issues.

The bass guitarist for U2 admits he "relied too much on alcohol and other things" in the height of his addiction but says the root of the problem came from a "mental issue".

He said: "I relied too much on alcohol and other things to get me through. I pretty much had a eureka moment. I was fed up of the way I felt constantly. In my particular case, it was difficult for me not to go, 'You've got a great life, what's wrong with you'. Eventually I got fed up with feeling fed up.

"Eventually a few friends who'd been through alcohol and drug treatment said, 'You can get over this, you can feel better'. At the root of addiction, certainly in my case, was a mental issue. It's how I approached the day. I was able to get help and revise my thinking and turn that around. I'm a much happier bunny now."

The 56-year-old musician also helped to dispel some of the stigma surrounding mental health, reminding people it is a "curable" illness.

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He told RTE's 2FM: "If someone is feeling a little bit strange and they have a mental health issue, it is curable.

"It is not something that you have to live with for the rest of your life. It is not something that will stop you being part of the workforce. But you do have to talk to people about it and you do have to get help. And you can recover."

Where to get help:

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• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906 (Palmerston North and Levin)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (available 24/7)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

- Bang! Showbiz

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