Reality television star Vicky Pattison has bravely revealed the depth of her mental health struggles, describing how anxiety left her feeling completely "trapped" in her own life. The 2015 I'm A Celebrity winner opened up about the crippling condition that dominated her daily existence before finding an unexpected lifeline through Strictly Come Dancing.
The Invisible Prison
Pattison confessed that her anxiety became so severe it felt like being confined in an invisible prison. "I felt like I was trapped," the 36-year-old shared emotionally. "It was this overwhelming sense of being stuck, and I couldn't see a way out."
The Geordie Shore alum described how the condition manifested in physical symptoms that left her debilitated. "My heart would race, I'd struggle to breathe properly, and I just felt completely overwhelmed by everything," she explained.
Strictly's Surprising Salvation
Surprisingly, it was the intense pressure of the BBC's flagship dance competition that became her pathway to recovery. "Strictly gave me back my confidence in ways I never imagined possible," Pattison revealed.
The structured environment and physical demands of the show provided an unexpected therapeutic benefit. "Having to focus on learning the routines, the discipline of practice, and the support from the Strictly family gave me tools to manage my anxiety that I never had before."
A Message of Hope
Pattison hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others facing similar battles. "Mental health issues don't discriminate - they can affect anyone, regardless of how successful or 'together' they might appear," she emphasized.
The television personality stressed the importance of seeking help and finding healthy coping mechanisms. "There is light at the end of the tunnel, even when it feels like there isn't. My journey with Strictly showed me that it's possible to reclaim your life from anxiety."
Her candid revelation has sparked conversations about mental health in the entertainment industry and beyond, proving that even celebrities aren't immune to the challenges of anxiety and depression.
