Paris Jackson opens up on struggle with depression, self-harm

Paris said self-harm was a "distraction from emotional pain", and is in a better place now. Photo / Facebook

Warning: This article deals with self-harm and may be distressing

Paris Jackson used to "cut and burn" herself during her battle with depression.

The 22-year-old daughter of the late Michael Jackson has admitted she struggled with her mental health as a teenager, which led to a period where she would self-harm in order to feel a "dopamine release".

She explained: "I would cut and burn myself. I never thought that I would die from it because I was the one that was in control with the razor. I knew how deep I was going, and it was kind of, part of it was the dopamine release."

Jackson said self-harm was a "distraction from emotional pain", and admitted she also attempted to take her own life "many times" before going to a therapeutic boarding school in Utah to seek professional help.

She added: "The problems I went there for got fixed, but I left there with many more."

The model and musician stopped taking her antidepressants and mood stabilisers because they were muting her positive feelings in addition to her negative ones, and now says her depression "comes in waves".

Speaking during an episode of her and her boyfriend's Facebook Watch show, 'Unfiltered: Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn', she said: "For me, my depression comes in waves, so even though the lows are unbearably low, I would still rather [feel] that than nothing. Pain is way better than numb because at least you're feeling something."

Jackson recently spoke about the pressure of growing up in the spotlight, as she claimed people often "forget" she is "human".

She said: "You see a kid grow up in the public eye, you forget that I am a human. I was against letting the world in because it wasn't a choice. I wasn't ready then. I feel like I'm ready now."

Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• 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)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.