Opening up about struggles
Caroline Flack had bravely opened up about her battle with mental health issues, admitting she spiralled into depression after being crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion in 2014.
Heartbreakingly, in an interview last year, she also admitted that “fame doesn’t make you happy”. Tragically, ambulance crews had been called to her East London flat just 24 hours before her death to clinically assess the star.
Caroline bravely used her own experiences to urge anyone else who was suffering in the same way to seek help.
In a poignant Instagram post, she wrote: “I find it hard to talk about it… I guess it’s anxiety and pressure of life… and when I actually reached out to someone they said I was draining. I feel like this is why some people keep their emotions to themselves. Be nice to people. You never know what’s going on. Ever.”
Local mental health ambassador Aaron Connolly, who attempted suicide last summer amid an ongoing battle with depresssion, Tweeted that Caroline’s death was a “stark reminder of the world we live in”.
Along with his wife Siobhan, Aaron has spearheaded active support group Time to Tackle, a football-based support group which encourages young men and women to open up.
The ex-EK Thistle and EKFC player said Caroline’s death was “devastating” and stressed “we must do more” to prevent tragedies such as this.
He told us: “The overwhelming feeling from this tragedy is one of sadness. I’d ask everyone to be more mindful of what they say about anyone online.
“Social media allows us instant access to each other – let’s use it to spread love and joy, not to hate. None of us are perfect, I’d much prefer to focus on the good things.”
Time to Tackle runs at Glasgow Green on Wednesdays and encourages people to go along for a kickabout and chat about their mental health over a cuppa.