Advertisement

Andrea McLean says anxiety struggles left her feeling suicidal

Andrea McLean poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Mission Impossible Fallout', in London, Friday, July 13, 2018. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)
Andrea McLean poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Mission Impossible Fallout', in London, Friday, July 13, 2018. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Andrea McLean has said her battle with anxiety led to her considering taking her own life.

The successful presenter attributed her struggles to a build up of things including overworking and undergoing a hysterectomy in 2016, which all lead to her breaking down in the make-up chair behind-the-scenes at Loose Women last year.

Reflecting on that period in 2019, McLean wrote in the MailOnline: "Although I'd been on anti-anxiety medication since December 2018, I was still on edge. Tiny things tipped me over it."

Read more: The most common mental health conditions - and where to seek help

The 50-year-old recalled feeling so riddled with anxiety at the National Television Awards she got ready alone instead of with her Loose Women colleagues as usual and left abruptly after briefly posing on the red carpet.

Andrea McLean with 'Loose Women' co-stars Coleen Nolan, Jane Moore and Stacey Solomon. (ITV)
Andrea McLean with 'Loose Women' co-stars Coleen Nolan, Jane Moore and Stacey Solomon. (ITV)

"The stress became physical. I was throwing up. Not sleeping. Consumed with anxiety. At my lowest point, I was suicidal. This is the first time I've admitted that," she bravely shared.

It came when a "trivial" argument with her third husband Nick Feeney triggered overwhelming anxiety, however, McLean explained that the thought of her family meant she could not act on those thoughts.

McLean is parent to son Finlay, 18, from her first marriage and 13-year-old daughter Amy from her second.

The mother-of-two was put on the road to recovery with help from a friend and Loose Women make-up artist whom had spoken with her prior to the argument the host had with her husband.

Nick Feeney and Andrea McLean attend The Global Gift Gala Marbella 2018 on July 29, 2018 in Marbella, Spain. (Photo by Alvaro Cabrera/WireImage)
Nick Feeney and Andrea McLean attend The Global Gift Gala Marbella 2018 on July 29, 2018 in Marbella, Spain. (Photo by Alvaro Cabrera/WireImage)

McLean cut down on her workload and turned to therapy for help and has said while she does still experience anxiety, the episodes of it are now "fewer and farther apart" as she's changed the way she views them.

Read more: Denise Welch and Piers Morgan row over coronavirus pandemic

Back in May, McLean disclosed on Loose Women that she had suffered a breakdown the previous year.

Weeks later she shared that she "didn't mean to" publicly speak about her struggles but emphasised she was not ashamed of what she'd been through.

For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.