Jennifer Hudson speaks out about her depression

Jennifer Hudson has spoken out about her depression following the brutal murders of her mother, brother and nephew.

The Oscar-winning star lost her mother Darnell Hudson Donerson, 57, brother Jason Hudson, 29, and seven-year-old nephew Julian King in a grisly shooting spree in October 2008.

Admitting the grisly incident was like a "blur", the 28-year-old star went into seclusion following the family tragedy.

The singer-and-actress revealed to VH1 documentary Behind the Music, that she was in shock for a long time, saying: "It was like I was outside of myself."

As the reality of what had happened hit home Jennifer fell into depression.

She said: "For almost two weeks straight... [I was] inside one room with just family and friends coming in and out."

William Balfour, Jennifer's sister Julia's estranged husband, has been charged with first degree murder and home invasion in connection with the killings and has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Jennifer also opened up about how becoming a mother has helped her come to terms with her loss.

She said that 'Little David' - her 11-month old son with fiance David Otunga - "reminds me of my nephew" and he also helps her remember her mother.

She explained: "In so many ways I channel her because she was such a great mom. I want him to get the same love and the same upbringing my mother gave us."