Maura Higgins has opened up about her mental health struggles

It may have looked like the Irish reality star was living the dream life on the outside looking in. We all believed life in the spotlight was thrilling, but Maura Higgins has shown that the reality is not as glamorous as we once believed.

The Love Island star opened up about her personal heartache on Paul C Brunson's We Need To Talk podcast.

She said her life was flipped upside down when she left the villa, but it was one of the most isolating times in her life.

Reflecting on those struggles, the model said: “I had a breakdown. I had dark thoughts, very dark thoughts.

She continued: "I had nothing, absolutely nothing. I was living out of a hotel in London because that’s where all my work was and it was way overloaded.

“And I remember a lot of times I was faking a smile. Work was so busy. I was getting barely any sleep.”

Maura said she couldn't tell her mam how bad things were

Between the intensity of being chased by paps, becoming a celebrity overnight, and living in a different city, everything became too much for Maura.

"I was chased by the paps everywhere I went. I had no clothes and it got to a stage where I don't even think I told my mam.

She said she "didn't tell her how bad it was" even though she tells her everything.

Maura went on to say: "I didn't want to be here anymore. I thought that was going to be the best thing.

"There was so much expected from me. And because I was there on my own, I was like, ‘I've just nobody to help’.

"You know, people say moving house is stressful. Moving house is very stressful. Moving country while being thrown into the public eye is terrifying."

Maura reached out to one of her friends during this dark time and she suggested going home to Ireland for a break.

She returned home to Ireland to spend quality time with her loved ones and her mother.

Higgins has been praised for being so unbelievably honest about her mental health problems. The reality star’s honesty will not only raise awareness, but it will help others realise that you never know what someone is going through, even if they’re smiling on the outside.

You can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or text the crisis helpline on 50808 for mental health support.

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