Carey claims breakdown was for the best

Mariah Carey has claimed that she needed to have her nervous breakdown in 2001 and that it has worked out for the best in the long run.

The Glitter star told American publication Interview: "I'm far from perfect. I'm still learning. I overworked myself and I paid the price."

The 'Honey' singer explained that she only saw how bad things had got for her by hitting her lowest ebb six years ago.

She said: "I consider the breakdown a breakthrough. I needed to hit rock bottom. I needed to understand the cost of pushing so hard; fighting so hard against the system. But was I out of control at that moment? Yes."

Carey was treated for exhaustion back in 2001 following her split with Luis Miguel and several unusual and bizarre public appearances, including an apparent striptease on MTV Total Request Live.