Reality TV star Vicky Pattison has bravely disclosed that her husband, Ercan Ramadan, saved her life during a severe mental health crisis earlier this year, just weeks before she was due to compete on Strictly Come Dancing.
The Darkest Moment
In a recent interview, the former Geordie Shore star recounted a terrifying night where she was alone in her house with her dogs. Her husband was out playing football with friends when she reached a point of absolute despair.
"I had to ring him and say, 'I don't know what I am capable of right now'," Vicky confessed. She described feeling completely lost and unable to see any of the positive aspects of her life.
Ercan's response was immediate and life-saving. He stayed on the phone with her, patiently reminding her of all the good things they shared – their dogs, their holidays, and their family.
Living with PMDD
Vicky Pattison lives with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a chronic hormone-related mood disorder. The NHS describes it as an "abnormal reaction" to hormonal changes, though the exact cause is unknown.
The symptoms are severe and can be debilitating. They include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Mood swings and irritability
- Feeling hopeless
- Suicidal thoughts
- Physical effects like fatigue and bloating
Vicky explained that she spent nearly a decade thinking she was "descending into madness" before receiving her diagnosis. She recalled doctors insinuating she was simply "weak and dramatic," making her eventual diagnosis a profoundly liberating experience.
A Lifeline and a New Chapter
While Vicky did not have a specific plan that night, she is adamant that her husband's act of staying on the phone was what saved her life. "I felt that the world would be better off without me," she revealed. "It wasn't that I wanted to die. It was that I couldn't imagine living like that any longer."
Following this harrowing experience, Vicky has since thrown herself into training for Strictly Come Dancing, where she is partnered with professional dancer Kai Widdrington.
Treatments for PMDD can include contraceptives, anti-depressants, or therapy. The NHS also suggests that lifestyle changes can help manage the condition.
If you are affected by the issues in this article, you can contact the Samaritans for free at any time on 116 123.
