Melanie C believes her depression was sparked after a row with Victoria Beckham.
The Spice Girls star has had a long battle with eating disorders and depression and believes it all stemmed from the dressing down she received after a row with her bandmate at the Brit Awards in 1996, as she was so "embarrassed" by what happened.
She admitted: "I was so hurt and embarrassed. We'd all had a few bevvies and on the way out there was a little scuffle between myself and Victoria. We can't say this on air but I asked her to go away. I was told if that behaviour ever happened again, then I would be out. To think I could have messed that up and lost it all ... I began to be really, really hard on myself. I think that is where the start of some of my problems came because I had to be very, very strict with myself. I couldn't allow myself to relax because if I did I might mess it all up."
And the 46-year-old singer and DJ admits her body "took over her mind".
She said: "I think my body actually took over my mind. I went from being anorexic to having a binge eating disorder. That's when I went to my GP and I was diagnosed with depression. It was such a weight lifted off my shoulders. It was such a relief because I thought, 'Oh my God, there's a name for it and I can be helped.'"
And Melanie - who was known as Sporty Spice whilst in the girl group - admits the public perception of her as the "plain one at the back that doesn't really do much" really affected her mental health and as a result, she strived to be "perfect".
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Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs about her time in the band, she added: "I think I was described as the plain one at the back that doesn't really do much or doesn't really say much. That is really hurtful when you are a young aspiring pop star. I tried to make myself perfect, whatever I deemed perfect to be."
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.