Janet Jackson Comes Clean About 'Intense' Battle With Depression

Janet Jackson is living her best life, but in an emotional letter for Essence magazine, the music icon revealed that her happiness didn't come easy.

Speaking of her many ups and downs, the "Scream" singer admitted she went through an "inteJanet Jackson Comes Clean About 'Intense' Battle With Depressionnse" battle with depression, and finally found peace when she became a mother.

In the post, Jackson, 52, wrote that her 30s were her hardest time, as her depression "was intense."

"I could analyze the source of my depression forever. Low self-esteem might be rooted in childhood feelings of inferiority," she continued. "It could relate to failing to meet impossibly high standards. And, of course, there are always the societal issues of racism and sexism. Put it all together and depression is a tenacious and scary condition. Thankfully, I found my way through it."

As RadarOnline.com readers know, Jackson has spoken about her struggles with depression before. In 2011, the star published her touching memoir, True You, in which she addressed her self-image and self-esteem issues, as well as her other inner demons.

"Now the height of happiness is holding my baby son in my arms and hearing him coo, or when I look into his smiling eyes and watch him respond to my tenderness. When I kiss him. When I sing him softly to sleep," Jackson wrote in her magazine letter.

As RadarOnline.com readers know, the singer is currently sharing custody of 1-year-old son, Eissa with ex-husband Wissam Al Mana, 43.

"During those sacred times, happiness is everywhere. Happiness is in gratitude to God."