People News

George Michael seeks treatment for anxiety

Sep 30, 2012, 22:59 GMT

George Michael

George Michael is seeking treatment for extreme anxiety.

The British singer has been forced to cancel his Australian 'Symphonica' tour dates in November as he has decided to receive professional help for 'major anxiety' following his traumatic battle with pneumonia late last year.

The 49-year-old star announced his plans to undergo treatment today (30.09.12) after a performance at London's Royal Albert Hall last night.

In a statement, the ex-'Wham' star said: 'I have today announced the cancellation of the shows in Australia which breaks my heart.

'By way of explanation all I can say at this time is that since last year's illness I have tried in vain to work my way through the trauma that the doctors who saved my life warned me I would experience.

'They recommended complete rest and the type of post traumatic counselling which is available in cases like mine but I'm afraid I believed (wrongly) that making music and getting out there to perform for the audiences that bring me such joy would be therapy enough in itself.

'Unfortunately I seriously underestimated how difficult this year would be... I was wrong to think I could work my way through the major anxiety that has plagued me since I left Austria last December.'

The 'I Remember You' singer only re-started his 'Symphonica' tour earlier this month in Vienna - where he was hospitalised when he first fell ill last November - and donated 1,000 tickets to the doctors and nurses who helped him.