Fans have applauded Jesy Nelson for prioritising her mental health after the pop star announced her exit from Little Mix.
Nelson shared the news on Monday (15 December) in a social media post that spoke candidly about the toll she says being in the band has taken on her mental health.
After describing her nine years with Little Mix as “the most incredible time of my life” and thanking her fans for making her feel “like the luckiest girl in the world", the singer went on to speak about the “constant pressure” she feels being part of the girl group.
“The truth is recently being in the band has really taken a toll on my mental health,” she wrote. “I find the constant pressure of being in a girl group and living up to expectations very hard.”
Nelson added: “There comes a time in life when we need to reinvest in taking care of ourselves rather than focusing on making other people happy, and I feel like now is the time to begin that process.
“So after much consideration and with a heavy heart, I’m announcing I’m leaving Little Mix.”
Nelson’s post has since received nearly 1.7 million likes, with thousands of users commenting on the image with their support for the singer.
One user wrote: “I love & appreciate you so much. Thank you for being an amazing role model to not only me but millions of others.” While another commented: “So brave of you," and a third wrote: “We are going to miss you so so so much…. Mental health comes first.”
Similarly, Nelson’s name has been trending on Twitter with thousands of users commending the 29-year-old for speaking out about her mental health.
“Wishing Jesy all the best, so sad, but health comes first,” said one fan, while a second added: “Jesy Nelson’s full statement on leaving Little Mix may be the most genuine I’ve read in a while tbh.”
Another user wrote: "Jesy Nelson choosing her health, wellbeing and sanity over being in the band is admirable but incredibly sad.
“I hope she takes all the time she needs to heal and to figure out her next move. She is remarkable.”
Others have echoed the same sentiment, stating that “Jesy’s mental health will always be the number one priority”, writing that they are “so happy that she’s put her mental health first!”
In October last year, Nelson was the focus of an intimate BBC Three documentary titled Odd One Out that documented her rise to fame and the difficulties she has faced since.
In the behind-the-scenes show, Nelson opened up about the heartbreaking impact that cyberbullying has had on her life and the toll it continues to take on her mental health.
The remaining members of Little Mix have said they plan to continue as a trio.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
