Yahoo News Love Island's Adam Collard opens up about "tough" year and addiction
Note: This article discusses subjects including depression and addiction.
Love Island star Adam Collard has opened up about his "tough" year, sharing that he has been battling an addiction to painkillers.
The reality star appeared in the fourth and eighth seasons of Love Island, before taking part in the 12th season of Celebs Go Dating in 2023.
Collard has since entered a relationship with broadcaster Laura Woods, with the couple announcing in July 2024 that they are expecting a child before confirming their engagement in September.
Collard has now taken to Instagram to share that he has undergone a "tough" year after being diagnosed with depression and suffering from an addiction to painkillers.
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"2024, the hardest year of my life," he began the post. "I've seen lot of amazing 2024 posts over the last few days... but if you're struggling right now, remember that instagram is a highlights reel, and if you're struggling you aren't alone.
"This year was tough, tougher than any before. Struggled with my mental health more than ever."
He went on to explain the challenges that he faced in 2024, including that he "suffered with addiction to painkillers and sleeping pills and justified it as 'it doesn't affect fitness' or because it wasn't booze."
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He added that he was "diagnosed with depression" and "prescribed anti-depressants", saying that he had "felt lost" at times.
"But with all of those things, 2024 was also the greatest year of my life," he continued. "Remember you are always strong enough to reframe things and change the outcome."
He went on to list the positive things that happened to him last year, saying that he had "started therapy", "proposed" and "went back on TV".
"Found out I was going to be a dad. The highlight. Felt more love than ever," he continued, before concluding with a heartfelt sentiment.
"It isn't all sunshine and rainbows. But if you feel like you're losing everything, remember that trees lose their leaves every year, and they still stand tall and wait for better days to come. Stay strong," he wrote.
Collard later added an update to the post to express how "very grateful" he was for the "amazing comments", one of which saw his fiancée share how "proud" she was whilst saying he would be the "most amazing dad".
Love Island airs on ITV2 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Love Island news on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, organisations who can offer support include the NHS, Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393. Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov.
For more on drug addiction and dependency, including information and support, please visit FRANK or Action on Addiction.
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