Vicky Pattison has revealed that a phone call from her husband, Ercan Ramadan, saved her life during a dark period before her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing. The reality star, who suffers from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), said she felt 'lost' and called Ercan, telling him she didn't know what she was 'capable of'.
In an interview, Vicky described a night earlier this year when she was alone at home with her dogs. Ercan was out playing football, and she rang him in distress. 'I had to ring him and say, 'I don't know what I am capable of right now',' she said. Ercan stayed on the phone, reminding her of the good things in their life, which she says prevented her from harming herself.
Vicky, who is partnered with professional dancer Kai Widdrington on the BBC show, has PMDD, a chronic hormone-related mood disorder. Symptoms include depression, mood swings, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. She admitted feeling that 'the world would be better off without me', but clarified she didn't want to die—she just couldn't imagine living with the condition any longer.
The former Geordie Shore star has spoken openly about her diagnosis, which she received after a decade of feeling 'descending into madness'. She said doctors had dismissed her symptoms, insinuating she was 'weak and dramatic'. The diagnosis was liberating, as she realised her struggles were due to a disorder, not a character flaw.
PMDD is believed to result from an abnormal reaction to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Treatments include contraceptives, antidepressants, or induced menopause, along with lifestyle changes and therapy.
