Tom Fletcher credits son with helping him overcome depression

The star was diagnosed five years ago

Tom Fletcher, the guitarist from boyband McBusted, was diagnosed with depression five years ago - but says his one-year-old son has helped him battle his mental health issues.

Tom and wife Giovanna welcomed Buzz in 2014, and the 30 year old says that spending time with his son has helped him stabilise his moods.

On his YouTube channel, the musician turned vlogger often posts videos with his son, and it's obvious how much fun they have together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU4DgHHwVCc

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, the former McFly star said: 'Having a kid has really helped me in my life. It gives you a sense of needing to be stable. It's not about you any more, it's about this child that you've decided to bring into the world.'

Tom, who recently announced he and Giovanna are expecting their second baby, added: 'You don't have any choice but to cope with life because you're doing it for someone else. I was very ready for that before Buzz was born.'

Tom and wife Giovanna were married in May 2012

Tom has spent time in rehab in the past to get help with his battle with depression, and has also struggled with bipolar affective disorder and an eating disorder that saw him eat just 450 calories worth of food a day.

In 2013, he admitted that he even considered taking his own life: 'There have been a few moments when I have thought, "I don't think that I can do this any more". But you always see sense just at the right time, or just when you think you've had enough, something happens and there's some sort of light at the end of the tunnel.'

https://instagram.com/p/9YuWD5TQcG/

Tom sought treatment from a psychologist and a psychiatrist and went through sleep therapy, but has now stopped taking medication. He recently hosted a Mind charity ball, raising £24,000 for the mental health charity, and revealed that he wished he got help with his own difficulties sooner.

'It's scary going to the doctor to talk about your feelings. In the band, we are quite sensitive guys. By the time I started talking to anyone about it, I was already so familiar with the patterns of my life - the ups and downs - that I found it easier to deal with because I was older.

'I wish I'd known about it when I was younger to help me through when it was really tough.'

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