Janet Jackson is getting candid with fans about her struggle with depression.
The superstar is on the July/August cover of Essence.
In the cover story Ms. Jackson says that her feelings of inadequacy started during her childhood.
She explains, "I wish someone had said, 'You look fine. You look healthy. Being a little chubby is the least important thing in the world. Enjoy your childhood. Enjoy running and laughing and playing. Stop looking in the mirror and comparing yourself to others."
Although depression is something that pops up for her periodically, she says that she always finds her way back to happiness.
She said, "The struggle was intense ... Low self-esteem might be rooted in childhood feelings of inferiority. It could relate to failing to meet impossibly high standards. And of course there are always the societal issues of racism and sexism."
These days the new mom says that her son brings her the most happiness.
Janet adds, "When I kiss him. When I sing him softly to sleep. During those sacred times, happiness is everywhere. Happiness is in gratitude to God. Happiness is saying, 'Thank you, God, for my life, my energy and my capacity to grow in love.' "
