‘I feel a bit down these days’ – Angelina Jolie opens up about her mental health

"I was 26 when I became a mother. My entire life changed. Having children saved me—and taught me to be in this world differently. I think, recently, I would’ve gone under in a much darker way had I not wanted to live for them," she admitted to Vogue.

[caption id="attachment_589221" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images[/caption]

"They’re better than me, because you want your children to be. Of course I’m the mother, and hopefully that safe place for them and that stability. But I’m also the one that they laugh at—and I see them taking over so many different aspects of our family."

Jolie shares six children with her ex husband, Brad Pitt: Maddox Chivan, 22, Pax Thien, 19, Zahara Marley, 18, Shiloh Nouvel, 17 and twins Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline, 15. The mum-of-six has an impressive resume, with an established career in acting, as well as a philanthropist and activist for women's rights, all while being a parent. Adding to the list of accomplishments is Jolie's soon-to-launch fashion collective/concept/community space, Atelier Jolie. The Lara Croft: Tomb Raider actress reflected on her younger years, proving that she has transitioned more than once in her lifetime.

"I was quite dark when I was young. I was a punk, not the popular kid—going to thrift stores, cutting things up, burning little teeny cigarette holes into things: That was me as a teenager, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Maybe that part of me wants to push back.

"I’m hoping to change many aspects of my life. And this is the forward-facing one," Jolie revealed.

READ MORE:

• Kourtney Kardashian says she is happier when she 'gets the f away' from her family
• Harry Potter star Bonnie Wright gives birth to a baby boy
• 'We slid off in the Getaway Car' - Travis Kelce speaks out about Taylor Swift