LeAnn Rimes: 'I needed rehab before considering motherhood'

LEANN RIMES' desire to have children led her to check into rehab in August (12) because the singer wants to conquer her personal demons before becoming a mother.

The country star enrolled in a 30-day treatment program to deal with anxiety and depression because she hopes to resolve all her issues before starting a family with her actor husband Eddie Cibrian.

She tells E! News, "Eddie and I talk about having kids and I would love to be a mom. I didn't ever want to bring a child into the world without taking care of myself. And that was another reason I decided to go (into treatment)."

Rimes was also driven to seek help because she felt distraught over the public's negative view of her relationship with Cibrian, which began as an affair while they were both married to other people.

She adds, "I was America's sweetheart for so many years, but it was just like everyone turned (on me). No one will ever understand how much thought and hurt were put into our decision (to end our respective marriages).

"I was incredibly depressed and not quite sure of who I was. People are so quick to judge and make decisions for themselves about situations they know absolutely nothing about."