SURVIVAL of the Fittest star Tia Latham tried to kill herself on Boxing Day and claimed ITV “ripped my life apart”.
Model Tia, 33, said producers left her without adequate support, and added: “They left me to pick up the pieces. I basically had to beg them for help.”
Tia, who was born intersex, said she was abused in public after the show in 2018.
ITV chiefs sent her for therapy but only, she says, after a second attack.
“I had one meeting a week and I was put on the wrong medication. The medication made me suicidal.
“I had been in a bad place before that, because of all the abuse, but I had never left like ending things.
“After I was taken to hospital on Boxing Day the doctors said I shouldn’t be taking the medication I was on.
“I feel like ITV need to change their approach immediately. It is a matter of life and death.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit Mind’s website.
most read in tv & showbiz
She claimed pills she was put on made her suicidal.
She improved after doctors told her to stop taking the medication.
ITV said it was “very sorry” to hear about Tia’s “mental health difficulties over Christmas” and vowed to remain in contact and continue to offer support.
A spokesman said: “ITV have maintained contact with Tia since her appearance on Survival of the Fittest. Following press reports last year about an attack she was subjected to, ITV contacted her and offered support.
“As Tia has confirmed, she has been provided with support, which is on-going.
“We were very sorry to hear about her mental health difficulties over Christmas, we remain in contact with her and we will continue to offer support.”
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost – to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet, it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun has launched the You’re Not Alone campaign. To remind anyone facing a tough time, grappling with mental illness or feeling like there’s nowhere left to turn, that there is hope.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, over the course of this week, we will tell you the stories of brave survivors, relatives left behind, heroic Good Samaritans – and share tips from mental health experts.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. You’re Not Alone.
For a list of support services available, please see the Where To Get Help box below.
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk