Helen Flanagan, best known for playing Rosie Webster on Coronation Street, has been seen crying in selfies shared on social media as she detailed her candid experience of living with ADHD. The actress suffered a 'really scary' breakdown in 2024 that forced her to take a break from the spotlight and pull out of her 'dream job'. She later revealed she had been struggling with her mental health for months before a 'bad reaction' to ADHD medication sent her into 'psychosis'.
Helen Flanagan Opens Up About ADHD
Years later, Helen has now opened up about living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in a series of Instagram posts titled: "Things I experience as an ADHD woman". The mum-of-three, who shares Matilda, Delilah and Charlie with her ex-fiance Scott Sinclair, shared multiple photos, each with its own caption.
In one tearful selfie, she opened up about her love life following her split with footballer Robbie Talbot in May 2025. "Last time I had proper feelings for someone, it just felt like a lot," she wrote. "Intense. My friends say I’m like Cathy Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights lol. I get limerence, and I also get terrible rejection sensitivity, but I am learning to deal with that better."
Details on Relationships and Sex Life
Helen also spoke about her sex life, posting a photo in lacy lingerie and commenting: "When it comes to sex, I'm not a casual girl. I'm a lover girl/wifey, and I do get attached. I think guys that ghost girls after sleeping with them are big fat rats LOL. I go for someone that I find exciting, I go for a soul connection. Someone that makes me feel understood. I look for the male version of me."
Addressing Addictions and Motherhood
The 34-year-old then shared a selfie with a glass of wine, addressing her "addictions". She wrote: "I don’t have a problem with alcohol but I got unhealthy habits when I separated from the father of my kids. To deal with stress with the kids on my own and when I felt sad to numb it. Much healthier with alcohol now."
She also discussed always losing her belongings and being "messy", something she would change about herself. Regarding motherhood, she described herself as "loving and kind" but prone to becoming "overstimulated", especially with "too many sounds at once".
Support from Fans and Former Co-Stars
The post was flooded with support. Former Corrie co-star Tina O'Brien responded with red hearts and clapping hands emojis, while reality star Charlotte Dawson wrote: "Love you." Fans also shared their appreciation. @theyogicub commented: "This could have been written about me so thanks for sharing girl and normalising it." @misssuziemac wrote: "Can relate to so many of these fellow ADHD queen." @paulamcasey10 added: "Thank you for raising awareness for ADHD parents. I feel seen. I am also hyper critical it’s just a vicious circle and a struggle but we can only do our best." @lollypop2912 concluded: "Much respect to you Helen for being so honest."
