#UnderTheInfluencer - mental health problems are 'occupational hazard' for online celebs
Four people associated with Love Island have ended their own lives since 2018
Last updated 5th May 2021
A psychologist has told us that the mental health issues faced by many Influencers are an "occupational hazard" of their industry.
Dr Sanjay Kumar has been speaking as part of Hits Radio's #UnderTheInfluencer campaign.
The lecturer, based at Oxford Brookes University, said: "Those celebrities, those Influencers, they are also human beings. There could be one in four amongst them who will experience some sort of mental health problem.
"They have a quite high-pressured profile, in a way. They constantly try to improve their likability.
"For them, (their job) is a kind of occupational hazard. Constantly having to perform at the very high level, being driven to perform at that level".
Many people who feature on Love Island go onto become famous as Influencers, sometimes gaining millions of online followers.
Over the past three years, four people associated with the reality TV show have died from suicide.
Contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon, as well as former presenter Caroline Flack, all ended their own lives.
Since their respective deaths, it's been widely documented that these individuals suffered with mental health difficulties.
Aaron Armstrong, Sophie Gradon's boyfriend when she passed-away, also died from suicide three weeks later.
'If there is any triggering point ... they will fall back to their original low self-esteem'
Whilst being unable to analyse these specific cases, Dr Kumar says that the media spotlight, and potential online trolling, associated with leaving the Love Island villa could expose pre-existing mental health issues.
"It could be detrimental for some individuals, who let's say started with having a very low self-esteem ... through gradual media presentation started boosting-up their self-esteem, but their underlying self-esteem was still low.
"If there is any triggering point, their self-esteem will be knocked-down and they will fall back to their original low self-esteem," he added.
'We have extensive measures in place to support the Islanders'
ITV, which hosts Love Island, has told Hits Radio that the welfare of those involved in the show is its "primary concern".
The Broadcaster claims it has "extensive measures" in place to support Islanders before, during and after their participation on the programme.
The strategy means medical assessments are held during pre-filming, a psychological consultant is involved throughout the entire series and at least eight therapy sessions are provided to each Islander after they return home.
"We have continued to evolve our process with each series, as the level of social media and media attention around the Islanders has increased," ITV added.
"(This) includes enhanced psychological support, more detailed conversations with potential Islanders regarding the impact of participation on the show, bespoke training for all Islanders on social media and a proactive aftercare package".
This week, the Hits Radio #UnderTheInfluencer campaign is delving into the pitfalls of the Influencing industry - for producers and consumers alike.
Anyone who is affected by issues mentioned in this article can access local support services via the Hub of Hope.
The Samaritans are also available, free-of-charge, by calling 116 123.