Austrian artist and 2014 Eurovision winner Conchita spoke candidly about her struggle with depression.

Fame and fortune may be nice, but they are no guarantee for genuine happiness. Austrian artist Conchita, formerly surnamed Wurst, experienced this first hand after winning the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Thomas Neuwirth, the musician and drag artist who goes by the persona of Conchita when performing, was confronted with a existential crisis. Conchita spoke to German broadcaster RTL about dealing with depression and feelings of loneliness:

About a year and a half after the Song Contest-victory, when you get up early and think, really all should be well. But why am I not doing well? Why am I not happy? Why do I not want to do anything? Why don’t I care if my friends call? I think I definitely had something like a depressive phase.

Conchita took steps and sought help:

If there is something that needs to be done, than I do it immediately. And if it does not go well within my head, I’ll go and confront it. I did this. I have gone into therapy. Having everything can make you profoundly unhappy.

By sharing her story, Conchita is raising awareness about mental health and the impact of depression, which are still somewhat of a taboo in our society.

In accordance with her own unique style, she shows us that it is possible to truly rise like phoenix, out of every difficult situation – just reach out and seek the professional guidance to help you fly, and find your freedom.

Conchita has re-invented herself lately, dropping the surname Wurst for the most part and focusing on music, charity and social issues.

Enjoy Conchita performing her winning Eurovision 2014 entry Rise like a phoenix during the Grand Final: