Maura Higgins, a beloved star from *Love Island*, has bravely opened up about her struggles with mental health for the first time, 

describing it as an experience that has left her feeling like a “weight had been lifted.” 

The 34-year-old TV personality shared these intimate details during an emotional interview with Paul C. Brunson’s *We Need To Talk* podcast in October 2024. 

In this candid conversation, she revealed the depths of her emotional struggles, 

particularly after relocating from her native Ireland to London to pursue a career in the media. 

Higgins, who rose to fame on *Love Island* in 2019, admitted that she was not prepared for the overwhelming attention that came with the spotlight. 

She shared that the intense scrutiny and the absence of a support network left her feeling isolated and vulnerable. As someone who typically keeps her emotions close to her chest, Higgins confessed that discussing her mental health in such a public way was terrifying at first. However, she has since found the courage to speak out, and now reflects on the experience with a sense of relief. 

She explained to Heart radio, “I was absolutely petrified to open up about my mental health. I can be quite a closed book with stuff like that, but I’m glad I did it. I was very, very nervous to do it, but now I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I should have done that a long time ago.’ It’s like a weight lifted.” This realization highlights the therapeutic power of opening up, a sentiment that she has come to truly appreciate as she navigates her mental health journey.

During her interview on the podcast, Higgins also credited her mother, Sharon, as a crucial part of her emotional support system. She referred to her mother as a “therapist,” someone who provides a safe space for her to express her feelings without judgment. “Mammy’s just always been an amazing support,” Higgins said. “Bless her, that woman is like my therapist. She has to hear it all. But it’s good to have that close relationship, so you can just talk about whatever you want and let everything out.”

Higgins’ struggles were particularly intense after *Love Island* ended. She shared that, at one point, she even entertained the thought that she “didn’t want to be here anymore.” Her rise to fame was sudden, and the constant pressure from the media left her feeling overwhelmed. “I was chased by the paps everywhere I went. I had no clothes. I had a suitcase with just Love Island bikinis that were probably crusty,” she recalled. The relentless pace of her post-show commitments, which included radio interviews, photo shoots, and brand deals, left her emotionally drained and without a proper break.

Despite her initial hesitations, Higgins now believes that her decision to open up about her mental health has been incredibly healing. “It’s good to talk,” she emphasized, noting that this type of openness can be truly transformative. This sentiment aligns with the growing trend of public figures sharing their mental health battles in hopes of breaking down stigmas and encouraging others to seek help.

Higgins’ story is also part of a broader conversation about the well-being of reality stars, particularly those from *Love Island*. Tragically, several former contestants have faced severe mental health crises after their time on the show, including the deaths of Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon. Both stars passed away after struggling with the pressures of fame, which raised important questions about the aftercare provided to those involved in reality television.

In light of these tragedies, *Love Island* has implemented a comprehensive duty of care process to better support its contestants. This includes pre-filming mental health assessments, ongoing psychological support during and after filming, and therapy sessions once the show ends. While these measures are a positive step forward, the ongoing conversation surrounding the mental health of reality stars remains crucial.

Since her appearance on *Love Island*, Higgins has continued to thrive in her media career. She now serves as the social media ambassador for *Love Island USA* and has appeared on several popular TV shows, including *Dancing on Ice*, *This Morning*, and *I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!*

By sharing her mental health story, Higgins is helping to create a more open and supportive environment for others facing similar struggles. Her courage in speaking out not only offers a sense of relief to herself but also provides a valuable example for others to follow.

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