Shirley Ballas Reveals Suicidal Thoughts Amid Alcohol Struggles

BREAKING: Television personality Shirley Ballas, aged 64, has bravely shared her harrowing battle with depression and suicidal thoughts in her new autobiography, Best Foot Forward. In a heartfelt revelation, Ballas opened up about her struggles with alcohol as a coping mechanism, drawing a chilling parallel to her late brother, David Ballas, who tragically took his own life in 2003 at age 44.

Ballas disclosed that during her darkest moments, she experienced thoughts of being “better off dead.” She candidly stated, “I was anxious, depressed and desolate…those thoughts crossed my mind.” This urgent confession comes as she reflects on her mental health journey, particularly during the menopause when she felt like “plummeting into a black hole.”

The Strictly Come Dancing judge described her reliance on alcohol, saying, “It had become a crutch…but was actually making my anxiety even worse.” This dependency developed as she sought solace in wine to unwind after a hectic day, while her loved ones remained unaware of the extent of her distress.

Ballas revealed that it was her son who first recognized her struggles, prompting her to seek professional help. In a poignant moment, she recalled breaking down while speaking to a doctor in California, who diagnosed her symptoms as hormone-related, leading to life-changing treatment.

The proposed solution involved bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, which has allowed her to reclaim her mental health over the past few weeks. “The change took several weeks, but over that time I felt a shift, began to feel like my old self again,” she explained.

Ballas emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues, urging women to seek help and get their hormones checked. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to get your hormones checked and I wish I’d asked for help sooner,” she stated, highlighting a vital message for those suffering in silence.

Despite her progress, Ballas acknowledged that she still faces challenges with anxiety. She shared, “Whenever I have days where behind the eyes there’s emptiness…I just get through the day and hope that I wake up feeling brighter in the morning.”

Her story resonates deeply, shedding light on the often-hidden struggles of mental health and the critical need for open conversations. Ballas’s courage in sharing her experience serves as a beacon of hope for many facing similar challenges.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, contact Samaritans at 116 123 for support 24/7.