I’m A Celebrity Star Opens Up with Tears about Her Anxiety Struggles
Shona McGarty, known for her role in EastEnders, expressed her battles with anxiety during an emotional episode of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! The actress, aged 34, shared her struggles with fellow contestants while participating in the popular ITV reality show.
Shona McGarty’s Emotional Revelation
During Monday night’s episode, McGarty broke down in tears as she talked about her anxiety. This moment reflected her determination to not let mental health challenges affect her experience in the jungle. The actress gained fame at the age of 16 for portraying Whitney Dean in the beloved BBC soap.
A Supportive Camp Environment
In a heartwarming gathering around the firepit, fellow contestant Jack Osbourne suggested daily morning meetings to check on everyone’s wellbeing. Each celebrity took the opportunity to share their feelings, creating a supportive atmosphere.
- Shona expressed: “I just really don’t want my anxiety to ruin it.”
- Her campmate Aitch reassured her: “It won’t. It’s normal to feel like that.”
- Presenter Alex added: “You’re not alone because you’ve got us.”
Advocating for Mental Health Awareness
McGarty highlighted her past experiences with anxiety, acknowledging that she had concealed her feelings throughout her career. In a previous interview, she mentioned how being in the entertainment industry at a young age created pressure to appear fine, even when struggling internally.
Reflecting on her journey, McGarty stated:
- “It’s been horrible and quite hard at times.”
- “I take anxiety and depression medication, which has really helped me.”
Recognizing the importance of therapy, she spoke about how it had a positive impact on her mental health. McGarty’s openness about her struggles is vital for reducing stigma around mental health issues.
I’m A Celebrity Continuation
This series of I’m A Celebrity continues to air on ITV1 and ITVX, with new developments in the jungle every night at 9 PM.