MUMBAI: Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander says music is like a therapy to him and it has helped him cope with his anxiety and depression.

Alexander admits he has struggled with anxiety and depression in the past, but found an outlet through music and songwriting, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

When asked if music is like therapy to him, Alexander told BANG Showbiz: "No. Therapy is much better. But music is definitely something I do that helps channel my anxiety in a positive way."

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old previously revealed he suffered panic attacks that were so bad that he even refused to go to school.

“I was quite troubled at school, I was bullied. For whatever reason, like family life and my parents divorcing around that time, I had a messy childhood,” he said.

“Being a teenager is f***ing horrible for a lot of people, anyway... depression and anxiety on top of that becomes a very layered, complicated thing.

“I got to a point where I wouldn't go to school, and wouldn't get out of bed. I would have panic attacks. I was really bad, shaking, crying and hyperventilating. I saw a doctor but he wasn't that helpful,” he added.