When I was feeling really bad, everything that I ate would come back up
Lily Allen has given an open and frank interview about her past body issues and struggles with mental health.
In a new interview with Cosmopolitan, the Mercury Prize nominee has spoken of a fight she had with ex-husband Sam Cooper, in which six nurses tackled her to the ground.
“It was a build-up of everything and that [Sam’s new relationship] was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” said Allen. “When I feel that the people I trust most have betrayed that, my whole world falls out from underneath me. [The staff] had me pinned down on the floor. I picked up a water cooler and threw it through the window. Dan [her new boyfriend MC Meridian Dan] said six nurses tackled me to the floor and they had the needle out and were about to knock me out and sedate me.”
She continued: “Once the needle goes in, you’re sectioned. [Dan] had to really fight with them not to do it.”
Allen also spoke out about how issues she had with her body image caused her to stop eating.
“I was gearing up to do promo for the second album. That’s when I started not eating, when I started thinking about having to do photo shoots and red carpets,” she added. “When I was feeling really bad, everything that I ate would come back up. If I wasn’t, it would be just lunch or dinner. Part of me getting ready for a show would be to vomit for 20 minutes.
“Then I’d clean up my face and start doing my hair and make-up. I just felt really fat and grotesque.”
The singer and author concluded that she’s “in a good place”, through being “in a happy relationship, my kids are thriving and I’m creating great music.”
Visit here for help and advice on eating disorders.
This week also saw Allen hit out at Richard Ashcroft for arguing that artists should shy away from making political statements.
Lily Allen on tour
Allen’s upcoming UK and Ireland tour dates in support of her acclaimed and Mercury nominated 2018 album ‘No Shame‘ are below. Tickets are available here.
Tuesday December 11 2018 – DUBLIN Olympia Theatre
Thursday December 13 2018 – GLASGOW Barrowland
Friday December 14 2018 – BIRMINGHAM O2 Institute
Sunday December 16 2018 – MANCHESTER Albert Hall
Monday December 17 2018 – LONDON Roundhouse
FOR HELP AND ADVICE ON MENTAL HEALTH:
- ‘Am I depressed? – Help and advice on mental health and what to do next
- MIND – For mental health support, advice and awareness
- YOUNG MINDS – The voice for young people’s health and wellbeing
- CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably for young men
- Time To Change – Let’s end mental health discrimination
- The Samaritans – Confidential support 24 hours a day
The post Lily Allen discusses her past body issues and mental health battles appeared first on NME.
