Nathan Carter admits he turned to alcohol during lockdown 'state of depression'

The Wagon Wheel singer said that not being able to perform live really took a toll on him.

“There was literally nothing to get out of bed for. I was probably in a state of depression for a while because of not doing what I love. I really didn’t play any music for about four or five months at one stage,” he explained.

“I’d never felt down before, really. I went from radio, TV, gigs and a string of other projects as long as my arm to not being able to do it any more.

“Anyone who is involved in music will tell you that performing is like a drug. So because of that, I was always looking for my next gig — but I just wasn’t getting my fix.”

Nathan revealed that he turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, but “would feel like absolute s***” afterwards.

He said: “On the road, I would’ve been out maybe Friday and Saturday night for a few drinks, but when we were in lockdown, I found myself with nothing to do.

"I’d meet a couple of friends in a bubble and drink. It ended up being an every weekend thing.

“A lack of distraction was the problem for me, not having something to focus on. I think it was largely down to boredom, really. I drank every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and would then feel like absolute s***.

“I mean it was great at the time, but then I’d get depressed, or stop going to the gym because I was dying. It was a bad circle of habits that I’m very happy to be out of now.”

The country music star then began seeing a therapist after listening to Imelda May and Bressie chat about mental health and mindfulness on the Where Is My Mind? podcast.

“None of my friends had ever been to see a therapist, so I really felt like the odd one out. That was the hardest part.

“But, as soon as I went, I started seeing articles online, where people who have therapists would speak openly about them.

“That changed things for me — knowing that you can tell people about your therapist and therefore tell people about feeling like shit some days. It really helped.”