In a heartfelt and candid update, television presenter Kate Lawler has bravely opened up about her ongoing struggle with the mental health symptoms of perimenopause, confirming she is now 'getting help'.
An Emotional Public Admission
The 45-year-old former Big Brother star became emotional during a recent interview where she described going through a 'turbulent' time. She confessed to 'masking' her true feelings, a common experience for many struggling with their mental health, before breaking down in tears.
Taking to her Instagram on Tuesday, Kate shared a video update with her followers. She expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support she received after previously revealing how 'mental and sad' she had been feeling. 'I cannot believe how many people reached out offering love and support so thank you,' she said, while apologising for not being able to respond to every message personally.
A Flawed System and Finding Solutions
Kate voiced her shock at discovering how many other women are navigating perimenopause without proper support. She highlighted systemic issues, stating many are 'incorrectly prescribed antidepressants or not being given HRT or being denied it.' She powerfully added, 'The system feels like it's flawed and more needs to be done.'
Determined to return to her former self, Kate promised her followers she would restore her Instagram account to its previously fun nature. More importantly, she shared concrete steps towards recovery. 'I'm getting help,' she confirmed. 'I had a blood test. I have zero testosterone. I've got really low oestrogen despite taking HRT. So, I'm upping that, I'm starting testosterone. I'm going to get better.'
She ended her update with a strong message of solidarity and a call to action, urging others who are struggling to 'go and see your GP and get help. We are in this together.' She also humourously illustrated her brain fog, a common perimenopause symptom, by revealing she had recently walked past her own house and forgotten where she lived.
A Previous Breakdown on the Podcast
This public update follows an equally emotional appearance last week on Dr. Naomi Potter's 'Is It Hot in Here?' podcast. During the conversation, Kate broke down in tears as she admitted to constantly claiming she is OK when she isn't.
She described feeling consumed by 'anxiety' and a sense of being 'powerless,' desperately wanting to be 'the person I was before.' She explained the exhaustion of maintaining a public facade, saying, 'having the job that I have, I constantly have to mask.'
Kate revealed that seeing old videos of herself on Instagram, where she appeared genuinely happy, was particularly difficult. 'I feel like I've changed so much,' she shared, 'and I just thought, you know what? I wish I could just be the person I was.'
During the podcast, she admitted to being initially reluctant to use HRT due to fear, despite Dr. Potter's reassurance that she didn't have to feel this way. She expressed a desire to have her husband see 'the person he married come back,' calling it a 'turbulent time.' Her powerful story has since resonated with many, including famous faces like Zoe Ball and Anna Williamson, who have offered their support.
