Darren Hayes was in a "dark place" before he came out as gay.

In an op-ed for The HuffPost, the erstwhile frontman of the pop duo Savage Garden explained that he had been on the "brink of suicide" before coming out in 

In the essay, the Australian singer said, "Savage Garden was on the precipice of global fame and would go on to sell 26 million albums, have two Billboard No. 1 singles and tour the world.

"Yet no one knew I was deeply unhappy, barely containing secrets that would soon devastate me emotionally and send me to the brink of suicide at the height of my fame."

His desire to be more honest about himself was part of what drove his desire to return to music.

"I would say my new album honestly saved my life," he said. I was in a dark place, emotionally, not understanding that just like my sexuality, my creative outlet is a huge part of the person I am, and by denying that, I was denying an essential part of me."

The 'I Want You' hitmaker released his comeback single 'Let's Try Being in Love' in early 2022 and explained that his return to the public eye has been "more authentic" than in his initial heyday.

In another interview with People, Hayes, 50, said: "I realised that I had never truly been myself at the height of my fame and commercial success. would have been a huge regret of mine to have retired from the public eye without having come back to the world as my true authentic self.

"Because I have embraced myself fully in my art, I no longer feel the shame and stigma around my sexuality or my mental health. I openly speak about both because I believe they are connected, and by speaking about what most embarrasses us, it's my hope that bringing light to sadness drives away the darkness."— BANG SHOWBIZ

If you or someone you know is having difficulties coping, here are some numbers to call:

Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

CHAT @ *SCAPE: (+65) 6493 6500, (+65) 6493 6501

SAF Counselling Hotline: 1800-278-0022