A popular Fox anchor at a Detroit affiliate revealed that she has been off the air the past few months due to “severe depression and anxiety.”
Fox 2 Detroit anchor Amy Andrews told her concerned fans about her mental health struggles in a post on X on Sunday.
Andrews wrote: “My severe depression and anxiety have returned in full force. I’ve stepped away from the anchor desk temporarily to battle with all I have so I can come back and spend my mornings with you. Much love always…”
She had announced on the social media platform on May 18 that she would be taking a “few weeks off from anchoring… to deal with some health issues.”
Andrews is set to return to Fox 2 Detroit on Friday.
The local news anchor has been a champion for mental health awareness over the years, and has been vocal with viewers about her own experiences.
In June 2022, Andrews told viewers she was returning to work after several months of battling severe depression and anxiety, thanking those who supported her.
“I finally had to take a step back and address it so I could move forward,” she posted on X at the time.
“We never know what others are dealing with so always try to be kind and don’t ever be ashamed to admit that you may need a little help,” Andrews wrote, thanking the local Fox affiliate for giving her the time off.
In 2019, Andrews took part in a charity walk at Detroit’s riverfront to spread awareness for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and spoke to the crowd about her friend and colleague Jessica Starr, who committed suicide the year before, The Daily Mail reported.
In 2018, she also posted on Instagram to raise awareness on suicide and other mental health issues, writing: You can have a #RealConvo with me today and any day if you’re feeling bad or have questions about #suicide or mental health. I care about you.”
Recently, on July 19, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Michigan Chapter thanked Andrews on X for being “a longtime supporter of ours,” by using her platform “to elevate our course and bring hope to so many.”
“Thank you, Amy, for being such a fierce mental health warrior,” the organization wrote.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.