Love Island star tells followers 'you are loved' as he shares mental health challenges

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Warning - This story contains discussion of suicide and suicidal feelings that some readers may find distressing.

Former Love Island contestant Dr Alex George has revealed that he "wanted to end" his life two years ago, before deciding to go for a run which "genuinely saved my life".

The former A&E doctor, who grew up in Carmarthenshire, said that when he returned from doing the exercise, his mood had improved enough for him to call a friend to ask for help.

George, who made the remarks in a video on Instagram to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, said he wanted to help reduce "shame and stigma" around mental health challenges, telling followers "you are loved".

His 19-year-old brother Llŷr died by suicide in 2020, with George previously saying his brother had not told his family "that he was struggling".

In a video posted on Tuesday, George said: "I have never shared this story until now.

"Two years ago, I sat on these stairs and thought about ending my life. In fact, I wanted to end my life.

"I was so agitated that I was scared. I was scaring myself because I felt out of control," he said.

He said he then looked at his dog Rolo sat at the bottom of the stairs.

"And I thought 'I have to try and stay' and so I gave myself an option, either I leave now or I go for a run.

"And going on that run genuinely saved my life."

He said the run "lifted me just enough" so that when he came back he called a friend to ask for help.

"And that phone call led on to the changes that mean that I'm still sat on these stairs in my flat today.

"That is how close it came and the thing I reflect on is that no-one would have had a clue, looking before or even after, the crossroads that I was at," he added.

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George, who appeared on Love Island in 2018 before becoming a mental health ambassador for the UK government in 2021, said he wanted to help reduce shame and stigma around the issue, as well as to give people hope and help them feel seen.

The 35-year-old added: "Bad days do come. Some days are really dark, but better days are always on their way.

"I want people to know, no matter what, you are deserving of life, you are loved and you should stay."

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this story, details of organisations which can provide help and support is available at BBC Action Line.