Billie Eilish addresses accusation that she fakes her depression for clout

10 September 2019, 13:48

Nicky Idika

By Nicky Idika

"It hurt me to see that," In a new interview, Billie Eilish tells Elle Magazine that it "hurt" her to find out that people were accusing her of faking depression. "I was a 16-year-old girl who was really unstable."

Over the last 18 months or so, Billie Eilish has experienced the type of meteoric rise you usually only see in movies and on TV. The 17-year-old and her relatable brand of alt pop have captured the imagination of music fans everywhere. This year, Billie became the first artist born after 2000 to have a number 1 album and, in recent months, the star has been using her massive platform to open up about her own mental health struggles.

In a new interview with Elle, for their October cover story, Billie said that she's "finally not miserable" but also revealed to the interviewer that she's been accused of 'faking her depression'.

READ MORE: Billie EIlish calls out people who use her baggy clothes to slut-shame other girls

Billie Eilish Concert In Madrid
Billie Eilish Concert In Madrid. Picture: Getty

"Two years ago, I felt like nothing mattered; every single thing was pointless," Billie told Elle. "Not just in my life, but everything in the whole world. I was fully clinically depressed. It's insane to look back and not be anymore."

Billie also explained that it "hurt" her when people accused her of faking being depressed for clout.

She added: "It hurt me to see that. I was a 16-year-old girl who was really unstable. I’m in the happiest place of my life, and I didn’t think that I would even make it to this age."

`in a July Rolling Stone profile, Billie revealed that she used to have issues around self-harm, depression and body dysmorphia. "When anyone else thinks about Billie Eilish at 14, they think of all the good things that happened," she explained. "But all I can think of is how miserable I was. How completely distraught and confused. Thirteen to 16 was pretty rough.”

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Depression and anxiety are issues that some celebrities are finally feeling comfortable talking about in a public way. Using Billie's experiences to shame or discredit her is unkind and unnecessary because no two people's stories are the same, especially when it comes to mental health.

Hopefully celebrities like Billie continue to open up, so young folks and other people who are struggling can see that they're not alone.