Actress Helen Flanagan opens up about her battle with mental health issues and a recent episode of psychosis in a candid Instagram post. The former Coronation Street star revealed that she had a “bad reaction” to ADHD medication, which led to several days of psychosis and forced her to pull out of a theatre tour.
Flanagan, 33, shared that she had been “emotionally struggling” since her split with footballer Scott Sinclair, the father of her three children, in October 2022. She admitted to feeling “not great in my head” over Christmas and New Year’s, prompting her to seek help through medication to cope better with the challenges of being a working single mom.
Unfortunately, the medication had a severe impact on Flanagan, sending her into a state of psychosis just days before rehearsals for the theatre tour were set to begin. Despite her dedication to her craft, she made the difficult decision to prioritize her mental health and step back from the role.
In her post, Flanagan expressed gratitude for the support of her parents and the benefits of therapy in helping her navigate this challenging time. She emphasized the importance of self-care and working through tough issues to reach a place of healing and happiness.
Flanagan’s role in the UK tour of Cluedo 2 was ultimately taken over by Strictly Come Dancing winner Ellie Leach, with Flanagan withdrawing from the show for “medical reasons.” Her openness about her struggles serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and seeking help when needed.