Yahoo News Love Island's Zara Holland slams the show's aftercare
Note: This article contains discussion of depression that some people may find upsetting.
Former Love Island star Zara Holland has said that she "couldn't stop crying" when she left the show.
She also warned current and potential contestants that they will be "haunted" for "the rest of [their] life" by taking part in it.
Following the death of her fellow 2016 contestant Sophie Gradon last week, Zara discussed how she is on anti-depressants after struggling in the aftermath of the show.
"I changed as a person. I didn't want to go out or socialise," she told The Sun. "I came out of Love Island and they didn't contact me. I didn't hear from anyone.
"People applying need to know how serious things can be. They see a claim to fame – they don't see that in 10 years' time, when you're married with babies, you'll still be haunted for the rest of your life."
Zara also said that she has sought medical help after continually reliving her experience in the villa.
"I was upset all the time and couldn't stop crying. I was having bad anxiety too," she said. "I had this shame and guilt I couldn't get over."
Zara faced a difficult time in the villa, having been stripped of her Miss Great Britain title after having sex on screen with fellow Islander Alex Bowen.
Love Island contestants are briefed by producers before entering the villa about how their lives may change after the show and are also helped to find professional representation to guide them after leaving the villa.
They are also offered psychological support before, during and after taking part in the show.
ITV2 told Digital Spy in a statement: "All of our islanders are offered psychological support before, during and after their time in the villa. We take our duty of care very seriously and this is always our top priority."
Love Island continues with its current series tonight (June 25) at 9pm on ITV2.
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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