Megan Barton Hanson is attending weekly therapy sessions after her “whirlwind experience” on Love Island, the reality star has revealed.
Discussing her experiences with depression in an interview with The Sun, Barton Hanson revealed that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps to “train” her mind and keep her “in a good place.”
“After Love Island it was obviously a whirlwind experience and when I came out I got burgled and went through a break-up so now I am seeing a CBT therapist,” she told the paper.
“I see her once a week. It’s about maintaining my mind and keeping it in a good place.”
The 25-year-old, who appeared on the show last year, said that she “knew from a young age that [depression] was something [she] was going to have to deal with.”
“I think that is something you will have your whole life that you will need to battle with - it’s not like there is a quick fix and it is done,” she added.
The reality star said that she “always puts [herself] down,” but finds CBT helpful as it “trains your mind to speak kindly to yourself.”
“We all go to the gym and take care of our bodies, so we should definitely take care of our mind,” she explained. “For me that’s what therapy is, it’s like working out your mind.”
Barton Hanson’s comments come after ITV shared details of the revised duty of care process for Love Island following the deaths of former contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon.
The broadcaster confirmed that all contestants will be offered “enhanced psychological support” before and after filming, as well as eight therapy sessions upon leaving the villa.
They will also receive “bespoke social media training” and will be given “detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking party in the series.”
Love Island returns to ITV2 on June 3
