World Mental Health Day: Love Island’s Chris Hughes opens up on mental health
Written by News on 11/10/2017
Love Island’s Chris Hughes has spoken of his struggles with mental health, admitting he "suffered silently" before seeking professional help.
The reality TV star spoke to Sky News about his campaign with charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to raise awareness about male suicide rates in the UK.
Hughes said he previously sought help from a hypnotherapist after reminding viewers "it’s okay not to be okay".
Speaking of the charity he is now an ambassador for, the campaigner said: "(CALM) are on hand to give you advice and guidance and let you know that it’s okay not to be okay essentially.
"And there are people in the same boat as you – I think that’s the important message."
The 22-year-old from Gloucestershire, who shot to fame on the ITV show, spoke about his own experiences and why he wanted to get involved with the charity.
He said: "I saw a hypnotherapist a few years ago, my mum helped me afford that and it was my mum who was the first person I spoke to about my mental health issues.
"It is a phrase – ‘suffer silently’ – and I did suffer silently and that was the issue with me.
"So for me, knowing what I’ve been through, I want to make it more popular for men to speak out about mental health."
The comments come after Hughes released a prank advert promoting mineral water "infused" with his tears, which he called "L’Eau de Chris".
He added: "It is ludicrous to bottle up your emotions and that’s the strong message behind it."
The campaign advert, in collaboration with Topman, was intended to reflect YouGov statistics which revealed 84% of men in the UK said they bottled up their emotions.
CALM chairman James Scroggs said: "Both on and off screen, Chris has been widely praised for opening up about his emotions.
"As an ambassador for CALM and the face of the #DontBottleItUp campaign, Chris will use his profile to help us to challenge a culture that prevents men from opening up and seeking help when they need it.
"With suicide continuing to be the single biggest killer of young men in the UK, it’s vital that we show that it’s OK to open up and ask for help if you need it."
:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.
(c) Sky News 2017: World Mental Health Day: Love Island’s Chris Hughes opens up on mental health
