Behind the glamorous Instagram snaps, stunning family home and celebrity lifestyle, Danielle Lloyd has been fighting a private battle few people knew about. The former glamour model admits her anxiety became so overwhelming at times that she felt unable to leave the house. In an emotional chat with Daily Star in collaboration with casino.org, the mum-of-five revealed it was only after husband Michael O'Neill spotted she was struggling that she finally sought help.
A Dark Place Before Christmas
"Before Christmas, I was in quite a dark place," Celebrity Big Brother star Danielle says. "My anxiety had become really bad. Not many people know that I suffer with it because I don't really talk about it publicly. It's strange because it comes in waves. One minute I'm absolutely fine and then the next minute I feel like I can't leave the house."
From the outside, life appears picture perfect. Danielle recently moved into a luxurious modern mansion in Sutton Coldfield after spending two years rebuilding and styling the property from the ground up. Complete with expansive gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and a lavish master suite, the home has become a dream family base for Danielle, husband Michael and their five children. Yet behind the exciting fresh start, Danielle was quietly battling crippling anxiety.
Years of Public Scrutiny
For years, Danielle appeared unstoppable. The 42-year-old has weathered public scrutiny, reality TV fame, heartbreak, health scares and life in the spotlight. But anxiety proved to be a battle she could not simply smile her way through. Thankfully, Michael recognised something was not right. "My husband could tell," she says. "That's when I went to the doctors. I'm much better now and I've got it under control, but it was a really difficult time."
When the dark thoughts creep in, Michael refuses to let Danielle retreat into herself. "He'll say, 'Right, you're coming for a walk with me. Get some fresh air. Get yourself back in the gym.' When you work from home like I do, it's easy to get stuck in a rut. Once the kids have gone to school, I'm on my own and you start thinking, 'Shall I just stay in my pyjamas all day? Is it even worth getting ready?'"
Finding Strength Through Support
The former WAG shares sons Archie, George and Harry with ex-husband Jamie O'Hara, while she and Michael are parents to son Ronnie and daughter Autumn. Danielle says exercise, fresh air and keeping busy have all played a huge part in helping her regain control. She has also turned to motivational podcasts and manifesting to help keep her mindset positive during difficult periods.
Thankfully, the star says she is now feeling much stronger after seeking help and leaning on those closest to her. "I'm much better now and I've got it under control," she says. "It was a really difficult time, but I'm feeling much more like myself again."
A Message to Others
After months of struggling behind closed doors, Danielle hopes speaking openly about her anxiety will help others realise they are not alone. While her life may look perfect from the outside, she knows first-hand that anyone can find themselves facing a battle others never see.
