Tanya Bardsley on 'hamster wheel of death' before 'life-changing' rehab stint
Tanya Bardsley has revealed she was on a "hamster wheel of death" before she checked herself into rehab.
The mum-of-four, 42, says she reached breaking point when she began "self-medicating and abusing alcohol' at the end of 2022.
The Real Housewives of Cheshire star is one of the bubbliest characters on the ITV show, but after her ADHD went undiagnosed for so many years, Tanya admits her life was a struggle.
Revealing she has tried to commit suicide three times - including once when she was eight - she admitted: "I was on a hamster wheel of death – I’d drink, feel anxious and have suicidal thoughts."
The reality star, who is married to footballer Phil Bardsley, went to rehab in Thailand in December 2022 after recognising she could 'no longer continue living that way'.
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Tanya Bardsley has revealed she was on a "hamster wheel of death" before she checked herself into rehab (WireImage)
The RHOC star with her husband, Phil (PA)Before her treatment, Tanya was prescribed medication, however she told OK! magazine this had 'disastrous' effects.
She shared: “I was on a photo shoot and was being erratic. I just felt so out of control and dizzy. I remember just falling to the floor and then I had a seizure. The girls on the shoot quickly rang Phil, my mum and an ambulance. The thought of leaving my kids with no mum was scary.”
Tanya, who is mum to Gabriella, 21 and also shares Rocco, 14, Renz, 10, and Ralphi, seven, with Phil, admits that’s when she began to “spiral” and “had a complete breakdown.”
Thankfully, she says rehab 'changed her mindset and built her back up again'.
Tanya with The Real Housewives of Cheshire cast (Chester Chronicle)Now five months sober, Tanya reveals her life has completely changed and she's even quit alcohol, which she says can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD.
The star, who speaks about ADHD in her ITVX documentary, Me And ADHD recently visited the House of Commons with Tatton MP Esther McVey, who had urged Parliament to look at the severe delay in the diagnosis of ADHD.
Tanya shared: “I’m passionate about getting people diagnosed quicker even if they don’t wish to take medication. It’s so important to get the help you need – whether it’s meeting people just like you, or chatting to a GP, or visiting a support group like AA, we need to raise awareness."
Explaining the symptoms of ADHD in women can sound like depression and anxiety, she continued: "When I got diagnosed everything just made sense – suddenly I don’t feel alone anymore."
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email [email protected] or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.
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