Kerry Katona opens up on feeling suicidal after being declared bankrupt

Kerry Katona has opened up on feeling suicidal after being declared bankrupt back in 2008.

The former Atomic Kitten star spoke about her past financial issues on Tuesday’s instalment of Channel 4 programme Steph’s Packed Lunch.

Katona, 41, reflected on how her money woes affected her mental health at the time when she failed to pay a £82,000 tax bill, which ultimately led to her losing her home.

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“I wanted to hide away. I felt a mug, I felt stupid, I was embarrassed, I was ashamed,” she shared. “You feel worthless. You think ‘how have I let this happen?’”

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“It was absolutely awful to the point I wanted to take my own life. I understand why when people get in debt so many actually take their own lives over money because I've been there. I was so close to doing it myself,” the mother-of-five went on.

Katona also encouraged others to reach out if they too were experiencing financial troubles because “there’s light at the end of the tunnel”.

She added that she was “never taught about money” and only found out she was going bankrupt the day it was declared after “trusting the wrong people”.

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The struggles came at a time when Katona was also battling with a cocaine addiction that led to near-death experiences.

Katona has also managed to turn her finances around, announcing earlier in the year that she was now in the position to buy her own home again.

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While competing in Celebrity SAS earlier this year, Katona said she did not regret the hardships that had happened in her life.

"Everything I've been through, I don't regret one thing – not the drugs, the marriages, the bankruptcy. It's all put me where I am today," she asserted.

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