I just had a friend commit suicide and her behavior was very
similar to Britney in the weeks leading up to her death. This behavior is very alarming and her mother should make sure she is being watched. She did have a nervous break down! If she continues down this path a young beautiful talented singer could be lost forever. Please someone get her help NOW!!!!!!!

deb, londonderry, nh

I'm not a fan but i'm not unsympathetic either. We seem to love nothing better than to build people up, then knock them down again. Fame and fortune isn't all it's cracked up to be, some can handle it, but most of them turn to drink or drugs in the end. The pressure to preform to the ever hungry masses, the bordom that comes from not having a challenge becouse everything can be paid with a cheque, the disasterous relationships becouse they are never in love with the PERSON, but in love with the fame, fortune and fantasy. all on young shoulders............but wait for the books to come out of this, and the exclusive interveiws with womens mags and TV, wait for the news papers making a million..........it's all down to money in the end.......the only re-hab that works is the retirement from the media lime light.

angel, Carlisle, England

Tom, How on earth would you know that what Britney wants is a big strong handsome guy. I'm pretty sure that her issues go much deeper than wanting a man to look after her. I also imagine that, being as famous and wealthy as she is, she is overwhelmed with people who just want to flock around her and enjoy the attension (ie not real friends). Everyone needs people who really care about them - friends and family - and just because someone is in the media a lot and is rich doesn't mean they are rich in support.

I've been following some of the media reporting that has been hounding her and I think I'm going to stop now because I'm ashamed at how cruel they are being.
She is just a girl, who is suffering from depression (I imagine) and addiction. She needs real support and care - but obviously also needs to get herself some real help.
If I could send her a message I would say ignore all the negative attension and just focus on getting better.
A little compassion would go a long way!

Abigail Shepherd, Farnham, UK

I believe compassion is necessary no matter who or what you have done. It does not matter whether you are in the public eye and receive media attention on your every move, or not. We are all ultimately responsible for our actions, however, we aren't always able to achieve others expectations so easily.

Karen Newbold, Sydney, Australia

Spoilt!???shes actually worked very hard and i admire her very much! I know myself what a breakdown is like and i hope she gets some help quick.You have had to put up with alot brit.Get well soon xxx

Lucy, Scotland, Edinburgh

Regardless if your rich & famous...or poor & not famous-- we are ALL human beings. We can ALL suffer from mental illness- regardless of our financial positions. There are other things to bring people to nervous breakdowns besides money. Britney Spears is a person just like you or me, and she can go through hardships- the only difference is we can go through our hardships and pain without constantly being forced into the public eye where we are constantly critisized. There are plenty of celebrities that we hear of, but Britney Spears Is BY FAR the most abused of any current celebrities!!!

Nikkitee44, Whitestone, NY

It is sad how people can put down other people. Once u love somebody, then u hate next day. Britney is not the first person. The same was with Michael Jackson, also Madonna when she released her American life album etc..
I'm just asking ; what has she done so horrible to criticise her so much. I think this actions were made by her desperation to show the world, she suffers of all that presure. Yes, she is rich, but also rich people can have their problems. At the end of the day, it is said, money isn't everything. I just hope she will be ok soon. She is a young girl, and Im looking forward to see her next music.
Best wishes

Rasti, London, UK

Dear God, who cares? She's a spoilt, over-paid 'celebrity' who made a certain lifestyle choice and then discovered that she couldn't cope. Oh dear. There are thousands of people who suffer from nervous breakdowns every day, who suffer from desperate unhappiness, whose families are heartbroken by their plight: why are they not being represented? Why is it considered more interesting that a mediocre girl with an addictive personality shaves her head in a barbers' than the suicides of great thinkers or the death of innocents? The world needs to seriously sort its priorities out, I think.

Mara MacSeoinin, Cambridge , Cambridgeshire

I agree with Dee from MN. As with Robbie Williams, I cannot really come to terms with multi millionnaire performers who cannot cope with fame and fortune.

By comparison, I have recently lost my job and cannot see financially beyond next Friday but I have no alternative but to work something out.

Richard , London , UK

Am I bothered?

Edward Romdot, manchester,

She looks more beautiful now than I have ever seen her, and I am not a 'fan'. Well done Britney.
Would a man be classed as disturbed if he had a no.1?

jane, loughborough, uk

Has anyone considered that this could all be for publicity? Especially since she has ruined her image with her latest antics. Maybe they are going for the sympathy thing now.

Collene, Oklahoma City, OK

Well they say drugs and drinks leads to the gates of hell,maybe she is getting ready to visit that side as she looks really bad the poor girl.She needs a break from the rock and roll and a break from the media.

Good luck brit

steve, vinsebeck,

Being surrounded by media is just a by-product of being a celebrity, thats what makes her famous but on what she's been doing lately makes it worst. She should get away from these people, gather herself back, get help and come back wholesome. If she keeps messing around these media people won't stop following her and make money out of her. She obviously needs help from somebody that really cares.

Beth, New York, USA

Poor rich girl. I wanted to cry but my tears didn't appear. Honestly, Is anyone surprissed?

Miquel, London,

Who ever says money and fame makes you happy, they need to take a long, hard look, this poor kid is completely loosing it, and although im not a fan, I do feel so sorry for her, she is clearly struggling with life and 2 children, and I hope for hers and the the childrens sake someone gets her the help she needs and deserves, shes only a child in many ways herself, fame came too early and men cashed in on it, she needs to be with someone who will love and take care of her, then maybe she can feel happy inside and out. And it would help if the paps just left her alone to sort out her problems privately, she maybe in the public eye but she not on big brother she has the right to her private time too which is exactly what she needs now. I just wish her all the very best and hope she gets the help she needs.

Amanda Gadd , Nantwich, cheshire , U.K

why don't some VIPs like Ken Livingstone or Bono organize a Rally or March (Hyde Park or Trafalgar Square) to show Britney that we'll stand by her in these very hard times.

Robby, London E.1, UK

my heart went out to britney, and her friends and family because it isn't a nice place to be she needs people that will support her, and be there for her instead of calling her all the time. i feel really sorry for her she is what every girl or woman wants to be and look what she's got for becoming famous constant criticism and sadness by trying to constantly prove herself, i hope the media back off a bit and let her get herself sorted.

Deb, bolton, u.k

Are you people for real? Spears is no longer a good role model for young girls. She is NOT behaving as any "normal" mother. In the United States, the law is that children are to be placed into a car seat in the rear seat of the car - for their own protection! NOT sitting on their mother's lap! Even the slightest collision could kill the child sitting on someone's lap! And "airing" her pantiless crotch to the entire world? THAT is definitely not normal in the US! If a man was to do that, he would be brought up on charges of exposing himself! He would then serve jail time. She decided to become a star - she must pay the price for the money and glory she wanted! She has problems alright - and her children should not have to be put in harm's way because of them! If you want to be in the public eye, you will be scrutinized! Behave accordingly! She put herself in the limelight - she needs to deal with it!

Dee, Coon Rapids, MN/United States

What Britney needs is a lot of true love from those who are closest to her! Mainly family. Comfort, reasurance, support, non negative talk, plenty of hugs. Any mother knows during and after the birth of a child - depression can set in quickly. Especially with no spousel support. The loss of dignity by all the publishing of personal events I believe may have brought on the shaved head event. Everyone needs to just give the woman her space and leave her alone for awhile. To Britney there is a much higher love who truly loves you for who you are, and not for what people desire you to be. Hang in there and don't let anyone get you down.

Ron, Pataskala, OH

It just shows that Britney is a human being, she obviously is a broken woman who needs love and support. Her family especially her mother should support her and take control of the situation.
I am not a fan but it breaks my heart to see any human being rich or poor black or white to be going through so much pain.
The press should leave her alone , give her the space she so dearly needs and allow her to regain her strength and dignity.
God bless you Britney.

Dorothy , London, England

Whether Britney is famous or not, shes suffering inside and obviously needs support, love and guidance x People can judge her saying she makes her own choices but when you feel so low, you make choices without even realising what your doing x

I feel devestated that someone so beautiful inside and out can feel this way.. x

Jo, Derbyshire, UK

yeh I agree, I'm not big fan of Britney, but I think she's just constantly being patronised, and her every move is being critisized. To be fair I think she's trying to change her appearance and herself to try and get over all the stress she's been put under, but then I'm no psychologist. I hope she feels better soon, and I hope she gets the support shes needs.

rach, manchester,

Long hair or bald, Britney Spears is a wonderful Role Model to teen age girls and transexuals, all over the world. She knows just what she's doing. Life is short enough we don't want rules or responsibilities. Let the government take care of her kids. Let us hope and pray she doesn't make the ultimate sacrifice like Marilyn & Anna-Nicole! I think she should stand for Parliament!

Robby, London E.1, UK

Britney is a person like any of us. She's not perfect and she is going to have her own insecurities and problems. She's not the first woman to cut her hair during an emotional time. It's really common... though shaving her head may appear to be a bit extreme, it is probably only because of the hair extensions. She's probably fed up.

I think the media can be pretty evil and twist things. Give the girl a break.

How would you like people constantly critizing your parenting? And breating down your neck during a divorce?

She may not have the best direction. I certainly hope she is not taking advice from Madonna.

Maybe it's time for soul searching ... she recognizes a change is needed .... rehab centre, etc.

Change is good.

AngieK, Scotland,

Will somebody give the poor woman a break!!!
people can c she loves her kids bu mayb she is suffering PND?!!
All she wants is a little help from the people that she cares about, but someone who is depressed wil c them as controlling. All her life she has had people telling her what to do and maybe enough is enough! Some people may have no sympathy as this is the carear she wanted but at the end of the day we all have dreams and we all need a job, and this is Britneys job so we should respect her and give her a break. Shes a lovely, beautiful caring woman hu deservers her privacy until she hets through this time in her life. As her fans we will b there and support her, hair or no hair. Money dont buy happiness and thts all Britney wants and DESERVES. She needs time with her family without people over-crowding her!! so all you press hungry people give her a break so that the next story u print wil be one bou how Britney is bk and better than ever!! Good luck Britney we all know ur strong xx

sian, birmingham, england, United Kindom

I think her new look is pretty good and I am ashamed of myself for even noticing.

Bill, Vancouver, Canada

Rachel, Birmingham, England

I think every-one should just give Britney a break!!! Just because shes famous every-one is hounding her because shes shaved her head. shes only trying to protect her kids from the press by having them on her lap and other things any normal mum would so the same and not get want she has from the press. Same with her going partying and drinking, leave her alone...shes just trying to be a mum with her own life like the rest of mums.
so...she shaved off her hair....big deal mabye she just wanted to!!!! no other person would get all of this...or have people saying she needs help!!!!!!!
so i think people just need to leave her alone and let her famly deal with her if they feel she needs it!
Just leave her alone and let her get on with her life!

Rache Craig, Birmingham, england

Britney need to grow up, get her act together and be a good mother to those two beautiful little boys or give them up to someone who can take better care of them, I think all the money and fame is getting to her head

BARBARA, Rockleigh, New Jersey

I think everyone is being Very negative, yes she may have money and fame but sometimes isnt that worse? because she is always being watched, her every move. All of her mistakes being pointed out and blown up.
Im not a big fan of hers, but she is a young women who is depressed and i think some help, space and support and she'll be just fine to live her life and take care of her children.

Cait, Coventry, England

I feel for Britney... She's had her life, marriage, divorce and kids criticised in front of the media by people who think they know everything but no nothing. Her marriage failed, like most people's, but why are people hounding Britney? Is she spreading vicious rumours.... NO. Her good for nothing hubby is so he can get money from her. The only reason he wants custody of the kids is so Britney will have to fork out more of her fortune on that parasite! Mums make mistakes. I've made mistakes with my son. Being a mum is a skill you learn and she has learned them. Give her a chance away from the pressures of public life, away from the enormous stress she is under and I bet she will prove she is the fantastic mum I believe her to be.
I hope she gets the help and inderstanding she needs. I just hope people will stop judging her by what they read in the paper and let her live.
If Britney's husband happens to read this... go back under that stone you crawled out of and leave Britney alone!!!!

Nicky , Hull, England

Nobody think how awfull it is for any young mum to surprise his husband in bed with someone else?
Nobody think she might be suffering from post traumatic schock and baby blues.
Even if she is wealthy she has a hart and it hasbeen broken...

Francoise, London,

I agree with Jeffrey

Lets stop wasting our time on washed out singers and start considering the people that havent got $millions in the bank that suffer from mental breakdowns

Who cares about Britney Spears except little girls and adults that need something better to do anyway?

Jamie, London, England

Her behaviour is erratic and it's true to say that she's used to attention and success... but what intrigues me is that shaving her hair is enough to have her proclaimed mentally distressed. Are all women supposed to have long, flowing tresses? Maybe she's a bit sick of her appearance being criticised. She hasn't maimed herself. It will grow back.

Gail, Glasgow, UK

If her silly fans didn't inspire the media to keep hounding her,
She'd just be another young punk, strung-out on drugs or booze,
doing what thousands of other young chicks do.

Rodger, Seattle, USA

Does she remind anyone else of Demi Moore in the 90s?

Ralf, London, UK

there must be something wrong with her! aww well its her choice watever she wants to do!

stephen, newry, n.ireland

i am praying for Britney. she will be fine i am sure. we all need to pray for her. prayer wil work when all else failes.

alma, Leeds, alabama

> Spears “wasn’t making sense at all ... we just saw a huge
> celebrity on the verge of a nervous breakdown’”

And yet they agreed to give her a permanent tattoo?

Max Gott & Emily Wynne-Hughes, shame on you!

Alan Moore, London, UK

in my opinion whatever is happening to Britney whether she is in the middle of or on the brink of a breakdown she is crying out for someone to help her cos he can no longer help herself. Why else would she choose to shave her hair in full sight of the public and media= she could have done that at home !! i think she is clutching at whatever she has left in her in this last attempt for someone to reach out and guide her back to normality-

Karen, Harrogate , England

Let's not waste our emotions on a fame hungry,wealthy,adored,beautiful mother of two.She has made her choices in life and is in the fortunate position of making new choices.
Millions of people deserving of our understanding have non of the above and are condemned to permanent misery.

Jeffrey, Leeds, England

Please Oblomov....this girl has problems, and not just lately.....this stuff has been popping up for several years.
Everyone wants to blame the media.....you can't blame the media when the celebrety goes out of their way to be seen.
She's in her twenties and she has 100 million dollars, so she does what she wants. No one legally can stop her.
But don't be surprised if she loses custody of those kids.

joshua, buckeye, arizona/US

I agree that we should leave Britney alone. She is in a fragile mental state and it pains me to see a young woman with her potential deterioriate in this way. People are quick to blame fame, success and money for personal problems. But, isolation, failure, and poverty cause just as many problems. Let's ignore the peripheral issues for a moment, and give the lady the space she needs to heal herself.

Nicole, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan

Britney is a woman of very low self-esteem crying out for attention to be loved, wanted and valued. She is desperately seeking a sense of identity and belonging - respect for herself, in fact - but not sure how to get it in the light of her family setbacks. The usual tale of fame too early in life, great success and too much money, followed by 'failure' at something and too little real purpose. It is all part of the maturing process but hers is done in full public glare. Tragedy is she won't get what she seeks in a constant public performance, especially from the press which has encouraged her decline through its relentless pursuit of her. Only Britney can save Britney.

I think, just at this very difficult time, she needs all our sympathy, some real friends, a new perception of her worth and world, everyone's support and love. Not to be judged negatively, derided, slagged off even further, or treated like media fodder in a never ending entertainment sideshow . A sign of the times?

Elaine Sihera, Maidenhead, United Kingdom

the impulsivity; crave for attention with money to burn are symptoms of bipolar disease. self-medicating with alcohol is treating the symptom not the disease. i expect she's been prescribed medicine to even her mood swings; but as anyone knows, compliance is key; i doubt that she ever was..and took off from that carribbean clinic when they got down to brass tacks and confronted her with her behaviors..

paula, columbus, usa

The problem is not teh woman but the hounds of the world press willing to make a story out of nothing.

The continued chase, the hounding by the pack of press photographers, living a life in a gold fish bowl, being constantly watched for any move deemed to out of the ordinary.. and smash.. it's across the global headlines.

When will the world press realise, they are the problem not the woman.

Oblomov, London,, UK

If she really is on the "edge" of a nervous breakdown, where are social sevices?

Pete, Cov,

Britney is a woman who wants a big, strong handsome guy like many other women. Trouble is--she's got kids, and guys--though they may be attracted to her--generally don't want the awesome responsibility of raising kids. So her choices for eligible bachelors has now become severely limited.

Second problem is Britney has always been very succesful in life. She's USED to success. She's never failed, EXCEPT at marriage and raising a family. When a person succeeds all the time, but then suddenly fails, she will get FAILURE-SHOCK syndrome, i. e. it's equivalent to how a straight-A student feels the first time she gets a D.

Sadly, given her predicament, my guess is she will sink further and further down and probably commit suicide, UNLESS she gets a kick-ass psychiatrist who can help her work thru her relationship dilemma.

Tom, Minneapolis, MN

What does any psychologist know about it?

This lady's had plenty of counselling - to save her marriage (it didn't work - she got a divorce) - to solve her alcohol abuse problem (didn't work either).

It's about time we started to take a serious look at the hype in psychology and psychiatry.

John Davis , Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

Who goes crazy then drives to a salon to have their head shaved. Any self respecting crazy person is going to do it at home with some rusty scissors or a shaver.

Instead she holds a press confrence and lets the salon sell her hair? Sounds like any press really is good press.

David Madrid, vancouver,

oh britney. you need to think about going home with your children and staying with your mother until you can feel better. your mom will help you through this, and love you. you don't need any nannies right now, you need to face your motherhood and let your children get you back into reality...it's all going to be okay. this will pass, sweetie. we all get lost at times, don't let the press get to you. you're strong, you'll come out of this. your hair will grow back. read some good books~pema chodron, thich naht hanh, marianne williamson...snap out of it~~your happiness is waiting for you

elaine, kansas city,

We all go through hard times at some point in our life time. Someone in Britneys family has got to step up and take her by the hand and show her the way.

Thomas, Raleigh, NC

Since when does having no hair mean you are mentally unstable?

Loz, London,

I think Britney should take a break to heal and rediscover herself. Her shaved head says she's fed up of the demands around her . Let''s stop berating her, and give her space. She's going through a divorce that's very public. She's a young woman who did not have much of a childhood.

Britney, forget about your career for the moment and find yourself. You can always come back. Your well being is more important than your career. Best wishes.

Mina, New York,

I am so disturbed by the media attention of Brittany Spears, Anna Nicole Smith. They both have children that they need to be responsible for and they are not setting an example for them. When you have children you have a responsible to them now. Stop all this erratic behavior. Do some soul searching and be a roll model for you children. Unfortunately it is too late for Anna. So sad. But Brittany get a grip.

Leasa, Temecula, CA

In some Eastern religions shaving your head is a part of showing humility. She needs to hit those clippers one more time, it looks as if she missed a few spots! lmao!

RVJ, Shitfield,

Britney, take a break (with or without kids). Stay sober and get some help! Motherhood is hard even for us non-celebs! Pray for help and get it!

Lindlou, Houston, TX

I feel so very sad for this young girl. She obviously does not like herself. She seems to crave attention, weather it be good or bad. Pretty big clue of someone that is very insecure. She may have all the money in the world, two wonderful children, and plenty of "friends", but when is she going to realize that fame and fortune is not what makes her heart and soul truly joyful and content. I hope and pray that she will someday soon get back to her roots, get the much needed counseling she deserves, and simplify her life. I for one will be llifting her up in prayer daily.
A very concerned mother-

Christina Davis, Clayton, Ga.

I think she looks really good with a shaved head, who would have thought that she could pull it off. She should shoot a video before she grows it all back.

Craig, Sunnyvale,

xxxx

Vicky, Alameda, California

I feel so sorry for her. She just needs to work on her self confidence, self esteem and learn to love herself and children 1st. She truly is talented and it is sad to see her go down the tubes. She need to leave LA and check herself in to rehab and live her life "One Day at a time"

kimbo, Boca Raton, florida

Maybe she has double post partum depression......

Pat, Sonoma, Ca

What is wrong with the left side of her face? It looks as if it has been scarred...?

L.Concerned, Roswell, U.S.

Where are her parents in all of this. She obviously cannot not help herself....

Christina, Kansas city, Mo.

i believe that she is reeventing herself just as her idol madonna has done thru out her career. leave her alone she is just going thru what she has to go thru and this phase is taking her in directions no one else may understand but i am sure she does.

tammy, bimingham, al

I hope she is ok, Britney if you ever read this it's only hair it will grow back.

Perkoff, South Milwaukee,

We all hit rock bottom before we get up and become better individuals. This is probably Britney's rock bottom and I hope she will move on - and up - from here.

Kermin Fortes, Makati City, Philippines

and you wonder why shes on the edge

i would be to if i had nosey people in my face all the time

that would be enough to send anyone into a nervous breakdown

alisha, new plymouth, new zealand

in my opinion, probably britney is just experiencing some stress and problems about her personal life. all people experience it once in awhile, but once we put God and our family in the center of our lives, we will surely be okay..... maybe she (britney) just need the guidance and support of her family...... lets just pray for her and that everything will be alright for her....... i'm a huge fan of her and i still believe that all things will work out fine..... God bless!!!

Lawrence, Cavite, Philippines

i'm afraid this is another example of too much to soon. I think Britney is a good person who just needs to get away from some of the pressures of stardom and take care of her kids. Right now, the courts may not find her to be the most suitable parent to care for the kids, and I really would not want to see that happen.

alison taralson, fargo, ND

Britney Spears. Thsi chick is sooo yesterday. She looks better bald however.... HaHa

Barry K., Bradenton, Florida

it's like a meltdown she's a very unhappy woman. i fear that by the end of spring she will something crazy

tim, mount vernon, il

She is going through a tough period and I am sure she will find herself and come back stronger than ever.

Gary Cohen, Bradford,

everybody needs to stop picking on britney and let her live her life. why does the spotlight always have to be on her, cut her some slack and let her live her life!!

katie, halifax, canada

I can see where Hollywood would drive you insane...The rest of the world is insane anyway

Vince, Myersville, MD

Why get fixated over someone's haircut?

Dost Dost_NaaRahaa, richmond, VA, USA

Britany, get thy self to a doctor or therapist! You are obviously low in some brain chemical brought on by all the stress your body has been through in recent times. Stress is a killer. Get Help!

Signed, One Who Knows!

Jo, Dallas, TX

This poor child has been in the spotlight for so long and it seems, with very little guidance. Unfortunately, most of these girls who have millions of dollars thrust upon them spiral down( just like Mary Kate Olsen). It seems like they like the attention the fans give them, until they dumb up and do something stupid. Britney needs to go back to her home down south and get some help, maybe just concentrate on raising her family and forget about the fame. She might just save her sanity, and the lives of her children.

Sandra , Hanover, PA

She's done; she needs to learn & move on just like everyday people . It has always been a show, and now the show is over...life moves on.

normal_people, 90210, CA, USA

I agree with the psychologist. Private citizens have crises like this for other reasons perhaps, but they are not all over the tabloids like like a "star" or otherwise public personality would be. Also, unfortunately, it seems most of the readers of that drival are bored, jealous people with "no life" who can't wait to jump in and tear these public personalities to pieces. It's a sad thing. Thank you for posting the "Help Britney" vehicle. I think I will go there and write her. I hope she gets the help she needs. She needs people who "know" her very well and have a history with her to "talk her down to Earth." God Speed to her at this time of crisis.

Gwynne Backers, Mesa, AZ