‘I did think about killing myself – like my mum’: Frankie Essex opens up about binging on food and booze while battling depression

TOWIE star Frankie Essex lives in fear of falling into a vicious cycle of
depression just like her mum who committed suicide following a battle with
the mental illness.

The blonde revealed she has her “low days” – particularly during her
last relationship with ex John Lyons – which meant she sought comfort in
carb-heavy grub and booze, causing her weight to balloon.

With the help of antidepressants she is on the road to recovery yet admits her
mission to tone up and become “the old Frankie” is plagued with
worry.

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Frankie, 28, said: “When I’m unhappy it always takes me back to being the
13-year-old girl who lost her mum.

“I felt so sad I’d lock myself away and stay inside and eat.

“One time I didn’t leave for three days.

“I didn’t need to, as I had the food. I’d use any excuse not to go out.

“I think I’ve always had a low point in me because of losing my mum.”

Her childhood coping mechanism of binge eating was repeated following her
split with John.

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The reality TV babe said she jetted off for a three-week heartbreak holiday to
Thailand where she ate and drank to her heart’s content because she felt
sorry for herself.

The focus on food continued throughout the festive period as she munched on
biscuits, fry ups and meals out.

During her candid chat with she added: “I’d drink until I passed out.

“In March it’s Mother’s day and my mum’s birthday so it’s always a bad
month and I work myself up about it.

“I miss my mum and then I eat – it’s a vicious circle.”

The TV favourite also confessed she also hasn’t had sex since September as a
result.

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Now weighing in at a size 12-14 she has her sights set on slimming down to a
size 10 and blitzing her belly.

As well as hitting the gym, she has the support of her brother and ex co-star
 Joey Essex who has even offered to pay for her workouts.

Though the staunchly independent Essex babe has refused and said she “can’t
take help”.

She added: “I’ve only just started realising that I don’t look after
myself.

“I need to lose weight and be the old Frankie again.

“I’m 30 next year and want to be at the highest point of my life.”

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