Jake Quickenden tell us about his battle with anxiety
X Factor and I'm A Celeb star says attacks left him struggling for breath
I'm a Celeb and Dancing on Ice star Jake Quickenden has been opening up about his battles with anxiety.
The 32 year old who shot to fame on the X Factor nearly 10 years ago has revealed how issues left him feeling like he was struggling for breath.
It was only when he started researching his emotions he realised he had to learn more about managing his mental health.
WATCH: Jake Quickenden speaks to Mick Coyle for the #MentalHealthMonday Podcast
Struggling for breath
Speaking on the #MentalHealthMonday Podcast, Jake revealed he first knew there was a problem when he began struggling with his breathing.
He told Mick Coyle: "Before I knew what anxiety was, I just thought 'Why am I so out of breath?' I used to say to my mum 'I'm suffocating here, I can't breathe'
"When you are at your lowest and you think every day is going to be like that, that's when you start struggling, but if you know you're going to come out it, tomorrow will be a better day. It might only be 2% better, but communicate, stay connected with those people that you love and it will get easier"
Every Mind Matters
Jake urged anyone who is suffering with their mental health to speak to friends or family members that you trust, and find resources online like Every Mind Matters that can offer support or guidance.
"I talk to my mum a lot more openly about it now, I can say to her 'I feel so anxious I can barely breathe' and she'll say 'calm down, go for a nice long walk or go to the gym' and usually when I do that I feel ten times better afterwards."
"You don't have to live with this in silence. Just because you're having a down day one day, doesn't mean you're not going to have a brilliant day the next day and that's so important to remember"
What is Anxiety?
Most people experience anxiety from time to time, but it can be problematic if it starts affecting the way you live your life.
There can be various symptoms to look out for.
Mind has a guide to help you spot the signs.
Harry Judd speaks about his anxiety experiences
Earlier this month, McFly drummer Harry Judd spoke to us about his own experiences of battling anxiety.
He told Mick Coyle it sometimes left him struggling to get out of bed.
You can hear the full conversation with Harry Judd in Part 2 of this week's #MentalHealthMonday Podcast
Finding support for your mental health
If you want to talk to someone about your mental health, or have questions about things like anxiety or depression there are many different resources available.
You can visit Mind, The Mental Health Foundation or services like Young Minds.
You can also find services near to you via the the Hub of Hope.
You can speak to your GP
Or speak to the Samaritans on 116 123
For people who prefer to text, you can text SHOUT to 85258
Don't suffer in silence.
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