Fred van Leer Opens up About Lifelong Depression and childhood Bullying in New Podcast
In a candid interview on the Linda. podcast ‘Hairdresser van de Sterren,’ Fred van Leer, 48, revealed the extent of his lifelong struggle with depression and his preference for solitude. The Dutch presenter shared intimate details about his youth, including instances of bullying and his mother’s attempts to encourage him to socialize.
Van Leer described himself as an “Einzelgänger” (loner), stating, “I am someone who really likes to be alone and I will continue to have that all my life.” He attributes this to his past experiences,explaining,”I have always done everything alone and I also frequently enough have a fight with myself.” He further elaborated on his mental health, saying, “I am manic depressed. Actually, I have had that all my life.”
The stylist announced that he and his manager,Conny Schalke,will release a book in September titled Nothing is what it truly seems – depression. He clarified that his profession did not cause his depression, stating, “But actually I was already before.”
reflecting on his childhood in Alblasserdam, Van Leer admitted, “I have never been a happy child. I have made my life more fun as of the success I have had.” He also spoke about being bullied during his youth, despite enjoying his own company. “I liked ‘fiddling and fogging’ myself. Other peopel made it a problem and said: ‘don’t you have to look for friends?'” He recounted how his mother would encourage him to socialize, saying, “My mother literally sent me the lane and told me to look for friends,” but he preferred to “Putten and frutten with my LEGO.”
Van Leer is also returning to the theater after a three-year hiatus with a show titled I don’t really know. The performance will humorously yet vulnerably address his mental health challenges.