LOVE Island star Jack Fincham has revealed his battle with mental health left him unable to work.
The 28-year-old struggled with both anxiety and depression as a teenager and was medicated for a number of years to help him manage his mental health.
Speaking in the new episode of Movembers In The Barber Chair Podcast, the reality star told the host Matt Johnson: I used to take anti-depressants when I was 18.
“I used to have such bad anxiety. At the start, I didnt know what to do it was just an all-round panic.
Back then I was a little bit embarrassed to say why I wasnt going to work. I had time off work but I didnt want to say why.
I used to fear something awful was going to happen, constantly. Id go to bed feeling it and wake up feeling it.
That brought the depression on, because I wondered when I would feel my normal again. It took me a good few years to get back on track.
Jack, a supporter of mens health charity Movember, wants to encourage other men to seek help if they recognise they have a problem with either their mental or physical health.
The star who won Love Island with Dani Dyer in 2018 – has been able to use his own experience to help him recognise when others may be struggling, and keep an eye out for his mates.
From that experience I know always openly talk about it, he said.
Ive learnt now to say to my mates: How are you?
And sometimes they will say they have something on their mind. So I think its an important thing to check in with people.
Understanding more about his mental health has also helpedJackbecome more accepting of what life throws at him.
Reflecting on his rise to fame and time in the Love Island villa,Jacksaid he isnt one to want to alter the past.
Jacksaid: I wouldnt change anything. Im a big believer in everything happening for a reason. Theres stuff that wasnt pleasant. Theres stuff that I probably should have thought about more. But it all builds who you are.
Everything thats happened to me has happened for a reason. And you learn from stuff. If you dont learn from things that have happened, you arent progressing as a person. Im in a really good place now.
Jackalso gave advice to anyone thinking of entering the Love Island villa, ahead of the new season starting on Sunday.
He said: Remember who you actually are; dont go changing. Remember where you came from and keep your original people around you.
Youre going to get loads of new friends, but keep the ones youve known for years who have always been your friend around you dont neglect them.
Look after your money, because it comes and it can go just as quickly. And just stay grounded.
Movember is raising funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programmes that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. Donate now at www.Movember.com
Available with all major podcast outlets, episodes of In The Barber Chair see a celebrity host hold open and honest conversations with other big-name guests.
