Stephanie Davis shares candid picture during her ‘breakdown’ and says she ‘was dead inside and felt like she was drowing’ during depression battle
The actress, 25, shared the snap as well as an emotional message on Instagram, in order to raise awareness of mental health
STEPHANIE Davis has shared a candid photo taken during her breakdown last year in support of Mental Health Awareness Week.
The actress, 25, took to Instagram yesterday to reveal the extent of her battle with depression – which made her feel like she was “dead inside” and “drowning” for months on end.
Stephanie, who went to rehab for alcoholism last year, shocked followers with the snap, which saw her staring wildly into the camera while covered in talcum powder.
Adding a lengthy caption, she revealed she felt “trapped” by her struggles at the time, and urged any followers feeling the same to seek help.
She began: “So I’ve seen a lot of people posting sexy photos and saying #mentalhealthawarnessweek.
“Here’s a photo of me, during my breakdown with talc all over my head for whatever reason I was thinking at the time, that my aunty took listening to Lonely together Rita ora alone on repeat.
“My eyes are black inside as you can see, I’d say they were dead inside.
“I was suffering SO much with depression, feeling SO suicidal and Absolutely TRAPPED.
“I felt like I was DROWNING trying to defend my self and trying to prove to strangers I was a good person when I was literally on the brink and not well when I shouldn’t have had to, I knew the truth would shine through and people would see eventually, I just had to stay true to me!
“I had people online giving me hate and abuse for things if they actually went through they never would have got through HALF of what I did!”
Having recovered from her struggles with the help of her family and health professionals, Stephanie went on to urge fans to seek help if they are feeling low or lost.
She continued: “People presume people are ok and that it’s ok to point fingers and jump on the bandwagon to try and make themselves look better. THINK before you do!! You never know what someone is going through behind closed doors!!
“If anyone is feeling low or lost or struggling, suicidal or confused as why there feeling the way they do, REACH OUT!!!
“It seems scary, I totally understand but TRUST me, once you say them three words.. I NEED HELP… your journey back to happiness will begin.”
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost – to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet, it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun has launched the You’re Not Alone campaign. To remind anyone facing a tough time, grappling with mental illness or feeling like there’s nowhere left to turn, that there is hope.
Throughout the campaign, we will tell you the stories of brave survivors, relatives left behind, heroic Good Samaritans – and share tips from mental health experts.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. You’re Not Alone.
For a list of support services available, please see the Where To Get Help box below.
Before adding: “I’m not scared to show this photo or what people say, as long as it can help someone reading this.”
She ended her brave post by sharing a photo of her healthier and happier self cuddling her son Caben-Albi, who turns two in January.
She went on: “Happy and LIVING again. ITS OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY! I’m such a STRONG person now and thankful for my journey as it lets me help others.
“Mental health is real!! Stop the stigma!”
Stephanie had Caben with her now ex-boyfriend, Celebrity Big Brother contestant Jeremy McConnell.
Their relationship turned toxic and Stephanie revealed she was an alcoholic and was checking into rehab after her split.
The actress has since turned her life around, and returned to work on Hollyoaks earlier this year after getting axed in 2015.
WHERE TO GET HELP
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220.
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