Susan Calman on Channel 5 show
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Susan Calman heartache after attempting to take her own life aged 16

Much-loved presenter has battled with depression since her teens

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Susan Calman often has fans in stitches with her hilarious comedy performances.

The much-loved Scottish star is back on television with her Channel 5 show, Cruising With Susan Calman on August 4.

But sadly, Susan‘s life hasn’t always been easy after battling with her mental health for the past 40 years.

Susan Calman wearing a suit on QI
Comic Susan Calman has battled with her mental health for years (Credit: BBC/YouTube)

Susan Calman discusses her mental health battle

Susan, 49, bravely opened up on her struggles in her 2016 autobiography, Cheer Up Love.

In the book, the comedian explained that she has faced a long-term battle with depression.

Susan revealed: “I felt alone, isolated, confused about why I couldn’t just make myself happy. I’d started cutting myself.

I couldn’t see any way out.

“I would sit in my room punishing myself, a common thing to do among many depressives, and I still have the scars on my arms from that time.”

Tragically, Susan attempted to take her own life.

“I took a load of pills one day because I couldn’t see any way out,” she added.

Susan Calman surrounded by antiques on Big Antique Adventure with Susan Calman
Susan is a regular on Channel 5 (Credit: Channel 5)

As a result, the star had to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

She was admitted to an adolescent psychiatric ward, explaining: “No doors on the toilets or showers, being watched 24 hours a day.”

Thankfully, Susan has managed to overcome some of her struggles in recent years.

In 2017, the star helped fight her depression by taking part in BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.

At the time, she told The Mirror: “I’m a great believer in exercise helping depression.

“The absolute joy I am getting from performing on a Saturday night, it is helping without question, helping my mood and how I feel about things.”

Read more: Strictly star Susan Calman shows off impressive two-stone weight loss as she insists she’s ‘not on a diet’

Cruising With Susan Calman is on Channel 5 Sunday August 4 from 9.30am.

Susan Calman & Kevin Clifton Quickstep to 'Bring Me Sunshine' by The Jive Aces - Strictly 2017

If you are having suicidal thoughts, suffering from anxiety or depression or just want to talk, call The Samaritans on 116 123.

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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