Former Love Island star Siânnise Fudge has opened up on her secret mental health battle. The 27-year-old Bristolian beauty shot to fame after appearing on the winter edition of the show in early 2020, and has shared various aspects of her life with fans on social media since.
The influencer has previously touched on having bad weeks, but has now revealed that last summer she was suffering with anxiety and depression behind closed doors. Sharing two photos of herself, one from last year and one from now, the star penned a heartfelt caption on Instagram.
Siânnise wrote: "To my amazing family. I have been waiting for the right time to speak about something that I had been living with and couldn't find the courage to share it, but thankfully now I feel ready.
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"I feel I have a responsibility to share this because somehow it might help one of you and that's all I want from this. To give anyone suffering the belief that you can overcome your obstacles in life.
"This time last year I was suffering with anxiety & depression behind closed doors. This resulted in me having insomnia, extreme mood swings & losing two stone in weight."
Siânnise added: "I was insecure, lost all my confidence & I lacked love within myself. I couldn’t bare to look at myself in the mirror because I didn’t recognise myself both physically & mentally.
"I completely lost myself and I wasn’t sure who I was as a person anymore. It affected my everyday life, my work & my relationships with friends and family. I felt like I wasn’t in control of my body, I lost interest in things I loved the most and I found it impossible to socialise."
The former Love Island star revealed that, when she was at her lowest, some of her followers would send her 'triggering' messages. The upsetting messages would often be about her weight and body.
Siânnise said: "I would receive messages on social media saying I’m too skinny, I need to eat some burgers and I’ve had to unfollow you because looking at you makes me uncomfortable which was extremely triggering for me.
"I went to hospital twice for checks, and for someone who is terrified of needles I begged them to take my blood and help me. When the doctors came back with my results, they assured me they were all clear and there was nothing physically wrong with me and they told me I was suffering from severe anxiety.
"I was lost, depressed and unhealthy, but somehow I developed the strength to work on myself. I turned every negative comment into fuel and motivation to get better and today I stand here, healed with a healthy mind & a happy heart. I feel beautiful, confident & I love my body now more than ever.
"I never understood mental health until I experienced it myself and how important it is. I urge everybody to be kind because you never know what someone is going through, everyone has a story."
Ending on an uplifting note, Siânnise added: "Every cloud has a silver lining, I am living proof of this."
Since opening up to her 1.7million followers about her past mental health battle, Siânnise has received outpourings of support from friends and fans alike, including past Love Islanders.
Kady McDermott said: "Oh Siannise this breaks my heart to read, but I am so glad you’re coming out the other end, you’re literally glowing at the moment and look so so so amazing. Always here and sending so much love xxx"
Maura Higgins said: "Proud of you and my god you are GLOWING."
Siânnise has been spending a fair bit of time in her hometown of Bristol in past months. The former Love Islander lives in London with her apricot cockapoo, Nala, who she often brings with her to the West Country for walks around Leigh Woods.
The 27-year-old split from Luke Trotman, who she coupled up with on Love Island, late last year. Since the split, Siânnise has focused on herself, and often shares quotes about spirituality, healing, and self-love.
How to get help with your mental health
Here are just some of the services available:
The Samaritans
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The Samaritans provide confidential emotional support and can be contacted 24/7 on 116 123 or 0117 983 1000 (local charges apply).
Bristol Mental Health
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call the Bristol Mental Health team on 0300 555 0334, 24/7.
Bristol Mind
Mind’s emotional support helpline MindLine is open five nights a week from Wednesday to Sunday, 7pm until 11pm on 0808 808 0330.
Anyone can access support in person by attending their Outreach Advocacy Drop-ins every Tuesday between 11am to 2pm.
Either in person at 35 Old Market Street, BS2 0EZ.
Or via phone on 0117 980 0376.
The South Bristol Crisis Team
The Crisis Team supports those experiencing a severe mental health crisis and can provide care and support at home.
You can contact them on 01275 796209.
Off the Record
Off the Record provides free and confidential counselling to young people between 11 and 25 years in Bristol.
The Bristol Sanctuary
The Bristol Sanctuary is a safe place open for anyone who is in serious emotional distress.
The Sanctuary is open for bookable sessions on Thursday to Monday evenings, from 5pm until 11pm. It is located at Gloucester House, Dorian Way, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB.
Anyone can refer to the service by calling 07709 295 661.
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