Strictly Come Dancing favourite John Whaite has made a devastating and courageous confession about his private struggle, revealing he has been battling a steroid addiction that brought him to the brink of suicide.
The Emotional Revelation
The 36-year-old former Great British Bake Off champion became visibly emotional as he shared his painful truth with followers in an Instagram video posted on Monday. John revealed he first began using steroids during the lockdown period, explaining that the decision came after looking in the mirror and feeling deep dissatisfaction with his appearance.
"I first started taking them during lockdown because I looked in the mirror and I hated what I saw," the television personality confessed. "I tried working out, I tried dieting – I was really strict with my diet – but nothing changed. I couldn't gain muscle."
Devastating Physical and Mental Consequences
The side effects of the illegal substance have been severe and life-altering. John disclosed that steroid use has caused shrunken testicles and an irregular sex drive, alongside profound mental health impacts that made him contemplate ending his life.
"Steroids have made me want to end my life," John stated with raw honesty. "The more that people acknowledged how I looked on steroids, the more I felt good about myself. But the reality is, steroids have shrunk my b*******. I've got tiny balls now, I've got an irregular sex drive… Sometimes it's very high and I end up doing stupid things and don't respect my body."
A Turning Point Towards Recovery
In his powerful social media address, the 2021 Strictly competitor declared that his destructive journey with steroids has reached its conclusion. He acknowledged that for five years, he had prioritised body image over his wellbeing and family time.
"For the past 5 years I've let myself down," John admitted. "I haven't respected my body or my mind, I've put body image before my own wellbeing and before time with my family. That stops today. Right now."
The television star concluded with a powerful affirmation of his commitment to change: "That stops now. I choose life. I choose health. I choose love. I choose a simpler life." His emotional confession represents a significant step in his journey toward recovery and better mental health.
