Fern's depression

TV

16:30 08 February 2006

Fern Britton has spoken out about her battle with post-natal depression - and admits she felt suicidal.

The 'This Morning' host - who has four children - says she has suffered severe lows in her life.

She is quoted in Britain's The Sun newspaper as saying: "I've had times in my life when I never thought I'd ever feel happiness again.

"I was very good at pretending I was happy, I was very good at smiling - but I was bloody miserable, I was suicidal."

The 48-year-old added: "Depression has been with me for a long, long time. Ever since I was young."

The TV star credits husband Phil Vickery - who she married in 2000 and has a four-year-old daughter, Winnie, with - for helping her cope.

Fern, who has three children from her previous marriage, said: "Phil has seen me through great depths of despair - and he has never wavered once. He is a very special man."



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