Little Mix member Jesy Nelson has admitted her mental health fell dramatically after becoming famous, in her new BBC documentary Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out.
She reveals her obsession with reading social media posts written about her, and how the effects of some cruel comments drove her to attempt suicide.
She also revealed she would “punish herself” and “starve herself for four days” just because some people called her ‘fat.’
She was constantly ridiculed in the same way and regularly compared to her fellow bandmates and friends in Little Mix.
“I just wanted to be Jesy. I didn’t want to be Jesy the fat one. I wanted people to see me as normal, so I punished myself.
“I starved myself. If I did eat, I hated myself. I’d punish myself and make sure I didn’t eat for four days.”
This time for her was a “horrible, vicious cycle,” and she hopes that by speaking about her struggles, she can help others in similar situations.
Her boyfriend, Love Island star Chris Hughes, stated on Instagram, “My girlfriend is the best motha f***ing role model on this planet,” throwing his support way behind her.
Her new BBC documentary depicts her early days on The X Factor and how after a certain performance, she felt her lowest and “couldn’t take it any longer.”
Fellow bandmates, Jade Thirwall, Perrie Edwards, and Leigh-Ann Pinnock, were devastated when they heard the news that Jesy tried taking her own life, and Jade felt she must confront all of the trolls that made Jesy feel so horrible about herself.
Jesy admits to trying to quit Little Mix multiple times, but her fellow bandmates helped her and convinced her not to each time.
“I felt I had to be this person who was like…. ‘I don’t care what people are saying about me, I’m this strong woman.’
“That was the role I had to take on in the group, when really I was an absolute mess.”
You can watch Jesy’s new BBC documentary online here.
If this article made you feel suicidal or have intimidating thoughts, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Show your support for Jesy in the comment section below. Who else thinks she is an absolutely gorgeous person inside and out?
Written By Ashley Riordan