Maria Fowler has bravely opened up about her attempt to take her own life in 2013.
The former TOWIE star, 33, decided to reveal her ordeal on World Mental Health Day, admitting that she "couldn't take it anymore" as she dealt with an abusive relationship and the pressures of her growing fame.
She said she was feeling better now and wanted to tell her story to raise awareness of depression and asking for help with dealing with poor mental health.
Taking to Instagram , Maria posted a picture of herself looking frail, as she admitted it was taken during one of her lowest points.
She captioned the post: "In 2012 I was in a recording studio recording the Towie Christmas single except I wasn't there in my mind.
"Everything I could hear sounded muffled, like I was underwater. The pressures of the world I was living in at the time became too much. I was screaming inside but nobody could hear me.
"Moving away with my then boyfriend my depression was almost put on hold until 2013 when we broke up and looking for comfort, I entered into a damaging and abusive relationship."
It was during this toxic relationship that she began to really struggle with depression.
Maria continued: "During this relationship, the feelings of helplessness and isolation that had been put on hold came flooding back to me until, in June 2013 I couldn’t take anymore and attempted to take my own life.
"Thankfully It didn’t work, but it was a turning point. I realised I had to get out of the relationship and pick the pieces of my life back up."
She said the picture showed her "not knowing what to do with my life, who I was or how to repair the damage to my mental health".
Maria then spoke about her road to recovery, adding: "It didn't happen overnight, it took two years until I fully felt OK.
"I didn’t jump into another relationship looking for comfort, instead I took each day at a time, went to the doctor, spoke to friends and family, started my business and two years later met my now husband.
"Everybody has battles. Don’t let Instagram fool you, behind every perfect life are battles we don’t know about.
"Now I am ok, I am one of the lucky ones. Please reach out if you’re feeling low. We got this."
If you are struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free phoneline open 24/7 on 116 123, or you can email them at jo@samaritans.org
