In an exclusive and deeply personal interview with The Mirror, former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan has bravely opened up about the severe mental health crisis she endured following her split from footballer Scott Sinclair. The 35-year-old star confessed to experiencing terrifying psychosis, including fears of being drugged and having her children taken away, during what she describes as the most difficult period of her life.
A Perfect Storm of Personal Turmoil
Flanagan and Sinclair, who share three children, ended their relationship in 2022 after thirteen years together. The actress revealed that the breakdown of their partnership, combined with significant financial pressures and legal stresses involving solicitors, created an overwhelming situation that severely impacted her wellbeing.
"It just all became too much and I began to experience psychosis," Flanagan disclosed. "I thought I was being watched, filmed, hunted, possibly even drugged. I was seeing things that weren’t there. It was really frightening - I thought my kids were going to be taken away, the nursery got involved."
Medication Complications and Diagnosis
Separate from the relationship breakdown, Flanagan suffered a significant mental health episode following what she describes as an adverse reaction to prescription medication. The actress was subsequently diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
"It was the worst time that I've ever struggled with my mental health," she told The Mirror. "I do think the medication was really bad for me, but I became quite addicted to it."
Ongoing Family Tensions and Public Outbursts
The interview comes shortly after Flanagan publicly criticised Sinclair on social media, branding him a "d***head" for reportedly going on holiday rather than attending their son Charlie's nativity performance. In a since-deleted post, she fumed: "You are a piece of sh*t. How dare you not turn up to Charlie's nativity."
Flanagan later explained her outburst, stating that women are "sometimes supposed to keep quiet, but she hated that." She revealed she has taken jobs requiring her to be away from her children to make ends meet, which has contributed to significant maternal guilt.
"Being away from my children gives me a lot of mum guilt, too," she admitted. "So, I can’t forgive Scott for stealing a lot of my time with my children. I resent him for that."
Housing Dispute and Financial Arrangements
Sources close to the former couple have revealed ongoing tensions regarding their family home. According to insiders, Sinclair currently pays for the six-bedroom property where Flanagan lives with their children, along with all associated bills, but wishes to downsize to a smaller home.
"Scott pays for the house and all the bills, and he's decided a six-bedroom place is way too big," a source explained. "Helen doesn't want to move and is digging her heels in. She loves the place, the kids are settled at the local school, and her parents are around the corner."
Recovery and Support Network
Throughout her mental health crisis, Flanagan was supported by her parents and professional therapists, who helped her begin the process of rebuilding her life. The actress has been gradually returning to public life while continuing to manage her mental health conditions.
Her candid revelations highlight the complex intersection of celebrity relationships, mental health challenges, and the pressures of single parenthood in the public eye. Flanagan's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health support systems during times of personal crisis.
