Denise Welch feared husband Lincoln Townley would LEAVE her due to her ‘frightening’ depressive episodes
The former Loose Women star opened up to her husband for a charity film about mental health
DENISE Welch admitted she was terrified her husband Lincoln Townley would leave her after she suffered depressive episodes.
The former Loose Women panelist has battled clinical depression for the past 21 years.
In a video released by Heads Together – which is being championed by Princes William and Harry – Denise told Lincoln: “As I was falling for you, I wondered how you’d deal with my episodes of depression which can be quite frightening.”
Lincoln has helped to support Denise through some of her toughest times and the 58-year-old recently praised him for his unquestioning devotion.
Denise told the : “The first time I had a serious episode we were in between moving houses.
“Lincoln looked in my eyes and saw the deadness. He was absolutely incredible, especially for someone who has had no experience of mental illness, and remains wonderful to this day.”
The mum-of-two last suffered from depression six months ago and revealed it lasted four days.
Speaking about how Lincoln supports her, she explained: “If I want to go to bed, he’ll make sure no one bothers me.
“He’ll take the phone away. He doesn’t try to give me advice.
“He lets me talk and wants to know how I feel.
“I am on medication and I always will be but I’ve stopped drinking and I’m much healthier in the way I eat and ¬gently exercise.”
The Loose Women star spoke out in a film for Heads Together, a campaign which unites the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, along with Mind and other mental health charities, to change the way society talks about psychological issues.
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She said to artist Lincoln in the film: “When I met you, I'd been living with clinical depression for 21 years.
“As I was falling for you, I wondered how you would deal with my episodes of depression, which can sometimes be quite frightening.
“I remember looking into your eyes when I was poorly, and seeing empathy and understanding.”
She continued: “Even in the midst of how I felt, I knew that you were going to be there for me, and that had been something I had been worrying about.
“You make it better just by being there, and just by understanding, and I feel very lucky that I've got you and that you've got my back.”
Mind offers confidential support and advice for anyone who is experiencing mental health problems.
Their helpline is open weekdays from 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393. For more information visit: .
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