Brandy, a former teenage superstar known for her popular coming-of-age show and groundbreaking role as Cinderella, has recently opened up about her battle with depression and contemplation of suicide.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Brandy shared her experience of feeling trapped by her seemingly “perfect” public image as she grew older.
The turning point in Brandy’s mental state came after a car accident in 2006, which tragically took the life of a 38-year-old woman.
Recalling that dark period, Brandy admitted to feeling deeply depressed and questioning her own worth.
In her own words, she said, “I remember laying in bed super depressed…
If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for [your daughter] because this is not the way to leave a mark in her life.”
Although Brandy settled out of court with the woman’s family and chose not to discuss the specifics of the accident, the emotional aftermath, combined with personal relationship struggles, pushed her further into a state of despair.
Thankfully, the birth of her daughter, Sy’rai, in 2002 became the turning point that saved her life.
Brandy expressed, “If Sy’rai wasn’t here, I wouldn’t be either.
The place that I was in, it just felt like I wasn’t going to make it through.”
Now, with the release of her album B7, Brandy feels that her life is finally back on track after an eight-year hiatus from music.
She described herself as being lost musically, creatively, and spiritually during that time.
It took tremendous effort for her to gather herself together and find meaning in it all.
Despite initial hesitations about sharing such personal experiences on her album, Brandy decided to be candid and authentic in her music.
Reflecting on her thoughts, she remarked, “I was thinking, ‘Did I go too deep?
Did I go too far in what I was singing about?’
But I didn’t dwell on those thoughts.”
She has reached a point in her life where she can proudly acknowledge that she is moving in the right direction.
Brandy’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by individuals behind the glamorous facade of stardom.
It sheds light on the importance of mental