Avril Lavigne "accepted death" during her battle with Lyme disease.
The ‘Complicated’ hitmaker has been through the "worst years" of her life after struggling with the debilitating condition but is thankful she’s making her return to music and will release new single ‘Head Above Water’ on September 19.
She wrote in a note on her website: "I spent the last few years at home sick fighting Lyme Disease. Those were the worst years of my life as I went through both physical and emotional battles…
"Thank you for waiting so patiently as I fought through and still continue to fight, the battle of my lifetime. The first song I am choosing to release is called ‘Head Above Water’.
"It is also the first song I wrote from my bed during one of the scariest moments of my life. I had accepted death and could feel my body shutting down. I felt like I was drowning. Like I was going under water and I just needed to come up for air. Like I was in a river being pulled in a current. Unable to breathe."
And Avril admitted her struggle had strengthened her Christian faith.
She continued: "Praying to God for Him to help me just keep my head above the water. To help me see through the stormy weather. I grew closer to Him.
"My mother held me. In her arms, I wrote the first song that I am releasing to tell my story."
The 33-year-old singer – who was previously married to rockers Deryck Whibley and Chad Kroeger – has written and recorded most of her new music either in bed or on her sofa at home and credits the process for helping her stay alive.
She wrote: "I was able to turn that fight into music I’m really proud of. I wrote songs in my bed and on the couch and recorded there mostly as well. Words and lyrics that were so true to my experience came pouring out of me effortlessly.
"Truly… by keeping my spirits up, having goals to reach and a purpose to live for, my music helped to heal me and keep me alive."
While Avril wants to put her battle with the disease behind her, she’s also keen to raise awareness.
She explained: "I have decided to be truthful about my struggle, open and more vulnerable than ever before. And to be honest, part of me doesn’t want to talk about being sick because I want it to all be behind me, but I know I have to.
"Because not only is it a part of my life, I need to bring awareness to the severity of Lyme Disease. A single bug bite can f**k you up hard.
"People aren’t aware that Lyme must be treated almost immediately. Often if they are aware, they go untreated simply because they can’t get a Lyme diagnosis! And even when they do get a diagnosis, a lot of times they simply can’t afford the treatment."
Though Avril is keen to get back on stage soon, she’s advised her fans to be "patient" as it could be a slow process.
She wrote: "I want more than ANYTHING to be back up on stage. To be holding my guitars and running around. To sing my heart out and travel around the world to see all of my fans.
"I will do EVERYTHING I can to get back up on stage, to travel, to sing to you, to work again.
"But I have to always listen to my body and keep a healthy balance, so please be patient as we go.
"I wrote and recorded this album and to me this is a victorious moment. A huge accomplishment. I am very proud and thankful to everyone who waited so patiently and lovingly with me to support this process for me."
The ‘Girlfriend’ hitmaker’s foundation are now working to provide Lyme prevention resources and she’s planning to launch an initiative to educate and help others fighting the disease.
Avril Lavigne ‘accepted death’
