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Mental Scars
Bear Hunt’s Una Healy claims she suffered PTSD from Netflix show as she details horror ‘aftershocks’ & ‘nightmares’
Una shared how the cast was supported by a team of psychiatrists and counsellors throughout the process
BEAR Hunt star Una Healy has revealed she suffered PTSD following her time filming the Netflix show, describing how it left her with ‘aftershocks’ and ‘nightmares’.
The reality series, which sees 12 celebrities dropped into the Costa Rican jungle to fend for themselves amid extreme conditions, proved to be a daunting experience for The Saturdays songstress, 43.
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Una admitted that she experienced PTSD after filming ended, and even suffered from "nightmares."
Speaking exclusively to The Sun at the show's launch night, Una shared how the cast was supported by a team of psychiatrists and counsellors throughout the process.
She said: "I think that was really important for us. Because we always had a psychologist there to talk to.
"If we ever found moments where we were feeling a bit overwhelmed or sick or down or homesick, there was always someone there to talk to.
READ MORE ON BEAR HUNT
"And he was a really good one, where he'd bring you back up again, and you'd just be like, 'Yeah, come on, I can do this.'
"It's a small amount of time. It's an incredible opportunity and experience. He was great."
The mum-of-two praised the aftercare she received, revealing that adjusting back to her normal life wasn’t as easy as she had expected.
She continued: "He actually prepared us for the outside world afterwards, to get back to reality.
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"Which I did experience a mild form of PTSD.
"And he said that can happen. It's very natural because you're coming back into your natural environment.
Watch the moment Bear Hunt star Shirley Ballas furiously clashes with Mel B in heated row
"But you've adapted to this whole new way of life - so he prepared me for that and I had it. I had a few aftershocks and nightmares and stuff."
Adventurer Bear Grylls has returned to TV with his brand new series, alongside former This Morning host Holly Willoughby.
Celebrity Bear Hunt sees some of the UK's biggest names fly to Costa Rica to take part in a slew of tough-challenges, all whilst hoping to evade the capture of explorer Bear Grylls.
The Sun was the first to reveal the full line-up last year, with Mel B, Boris Becker, and Shirley Ballas competing - and Holly Willoughby presenting.
Netflix says about the show: "Holly Willoughby hosts this action-packed competition show that sees a group of unlikely celebrities dropped into the Central American jungle as prey for one of the world’s most fearsome predators – Bear Grylls.
"Bear believes there’s an action hero inside us all - even the celebs - but how strong is their will to survive?
"As Bear puts them through their paces, those who fail to impress will face the dreaded Bear Hunt.
"A brutal game of cat and mouse where they’ll be hunted down by Bear himself and, if captured, face elimination from the show."
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Stars including Danny Cipriani and Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas, as will actor Kola Bikinni.
Chef and grime star Big Zuu rounds out the line-up alongside models Lottie Moss and Leomie Anderson as well as Changing Rooms presenter Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Understanding PTSD
POST-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event, either by experiencing or witnessing it.
It’s more common than many realise, affecting not only soldiers but anyone who has gone through a traumatic experience, including accidents, natural disasters, or abuse.
Symptoms of PTSD:
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Emotional numbness
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Treatment Options:
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-focused therapies can be effective.
- Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds may help manage symptoms.
- Support: Talking with loved ones or joining a support group can make a significant difference.
Get Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, it’s important to seek professional support. Early intervention can help reduce the impact of PTSD on daily life.
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