Peter Andre's "breakdown" lasted almost two decades

Marking Mental Health Awareness Week this week, Peter wrote in his column for new! magazine: "It really does feel important to talk about it. I had a breakdown when I shot to fame in the 90s, and back then, it was a very taboo subject to talk about - people would just think you're 'cuckoo'...

"My breakdown lasted a long time. It was only when I got to my forties that I truly started to come through it. I think I was lost - I was getting better, then my brother Andrew passed away and that triggered a lot of things - but the best thing is, there's a lot of help out there now.

"I think it's really important to celebrate mental health, and no matter whether you're cured or not cured, it's important to remember that it can reappear any time, but there are so many support options out there."

The 'Mysterious Girl' hitmaker - who has Junior, 18, and Princess, 16, with first wife Katie Price and Amelia, 10, Theo, six, and six-week-old Arabella with spouse Emily - is thankful people are more open about the subject these days.

He said:"I'm so proud that we're in a time where for all the other things that are going wrong in our world, one of the things that's going right is that people are able to talk and bring things to the forefront, some even using social media as a way to express themselves.."

Peter previously opened up about his anxiety struggles, when he revealed that he was hospitalised for his issues.

Speaking on 'The Ray Darcy Show',he said: "When you talk to people now, and you talk about anxiety, and you talk about breakdowns, and things like that, some people look at it like a weakness. Some people look at it like a taboo - but the truth is, it's so real. So many people are going through it. I went through it for years. It was a moment, it was in 1998.

"I was at the top of everything and all of a sudden it just hit me like a tonne of bricks. I couldn't function. I couldn't think straight. I was having panic attacks. I ended up in all sorts of hospitals, on medication, different therapists.

"My parents didn't know anything, I didn't want them to know anything because they're worriers. I got through it. It took me 10 years. I remember praying and saying, 'Please, if I get another chance, if I can get through this period I will never take it for granted.' So when I did get through it and things came back and I got to do all these wonderful things, I don't take it for granted."