'I started hating being famous': Pam Andrews on her mental health, why she left 101
Singer and actress Pam Andrews opened up about the mental health challenges she experienced while in the pop group 101.
Former singer and actress Pam Andrews has opening up about the mental health challenges she experienced in the early 2000s while she was a member of popular South African pop group 101.
Andrews was one of the winners of the Coca-Cola Popstars competition in 2002, which led to the formation of 101. The group went on to enjoy success, travelling, performing and experiencing the excitement that came with being young stars.
However, Andrews said that despite seemingly living her dream, she began experiencing feelings that she did not understand.
She recalls feeling increasingly sad, miserable and overwhelmed, while also wanting to spend more time alone.
“Every time I would go on a trip, it would just make me feel so much worse,” she says.
"I started hating being famous. I started hating being there, and I just wanted to be left alone.
"I didn't want to go to rehearsals anymore, and I slowly started pulling away from the group, and they didn't know what was going on with me."
Her struggles eventually became more severe. She began distancing herself from the group and engaged in self-harm.
"I started cutting myself on my arm... so I showed my manager the next day, and we were just about to do a big TV interview," she says.
"I showed him the blood marks...and he got so upset with me. He said, 'Cover it up; you're about to do an interview, and stop this nonsense!'
"I was young, and I didn't know what to do. I'm feeling so stuck and so lost, and I feel like I want to leave the group, but I can't leave because my family are depending on me."
She also reached a point where she contemplated taking her own life, before an unexpected visit from an EMI representative interrupted her plans and became a turning point in her life.
Looking back, Andrews says she was later diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which can cause severe mood-related symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. She said she now takes medication and has become more open about her mental health journey.
Watch her video below.
What are some signs of depression and anxiety?
According to the World Health Organization, globally 1.2 billion people (about 1 in 7 individuals) live with a mental health disorder.
While symptoms can differ from person to person, some signs that someone may be struggling with depression can include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Losing interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable
- Feeling tired or lacking energy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Withdrawing from friends, family or activities
- Thoughts about death or suicide
Anxiety can also present in different ways. Someone experiencing anxiety may have persistent or excessive worry, feel overwhelmed or restless, struggle to concentrate or experience physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems or a racing heartbeat.
Self-harm, including cutting or scratching oneself, can also be a sign that someone is experiencing significant emotional distress and needs support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, self-harm or thoughts of suicide, reaching out for help can be an important first step.
In South Africa, people can contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) for mental health support, speak to a healthcare professional or reach out to someone they trust, such as a family member, friend, pastor or counsellor.
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