James Arthur Opens Up About Anxiety And Depression While Visiting Charity In His Hometown

15 March 2013, 15:03

The X Factor 2012 star says the show helped him overcome some of his mental health issues.

James Arthur has opened up about his battles with anxiety and depression in the past, while volunteering at a charity organisation as part of Comic Relief this week.

The X Factor 2012 winner has admitted he struggled with mental health issues in the past, and cited the ITV reality series as helping pull him back from the "darkest point" in his life.

As part of the charity drive James visited STAMP Revisited in his hometown of Middlesborough to speak to patients there about widening people's perceptions about mental health.

"Sometimes I can't sleep, I've got that many creative ideas going round my head," James revealed to The Sun. "I get the guitar out and start singing at the top of my voice until I feel any anxiety draining away.

"This project is doing amazing work and the men and women it supports are inspirational," the 'Impossible' singer explained. "In my life I've had some low points, so now it's really important to give something back because I'm really passionate about changing people's perceptions about mental health."

Check out a picture of James Arthur ahead of the BRIT Awards 2013 last month below:

James Arthur is currently working on new music for his debut studio album, after confirming he and 'Earthquake' singer Labrinth have been working together on the record.