It's been a difficult year for Kellie Pickler.

The former American Idol finalist says she's struggled with depression and suffered severe reactions to anti-depressant pills after dealing with family problems and a breakup from her boyfriend, hockey player Jordin Tootoo.

"Everything in my professional life seemed great," Pickler told People Magazine. "But in my personal life, I was just crumbling."

Now?

Picker's friendships with Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, along with a new love – Nashville songwriter Kyle Jacobs – and writing songs for her new album have helped her find happiness once more.

"He makes me feel so good about being me," she said of Jacobs.

We couldn't be happier to hear that.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.