Reality TV star Mario Falcone has revealed that he attempted to take his own life earlier this year as he struggled with mental health issues. He was also going through a rough patch in his relationship with TOWIE co-star girlfriend at the time Lucy Mecklenburgh.
The 25-year-old told Now magazine: “Lucy’s been talking about this ‘big, dark secret’. It’s made people think I’ve done horrible things to her when I haven’t.
“I might as well tell you the whole truth. I tried to end my own life.
“I took an overdose of 40 horrendously strong painkillers that I’d got on holiday earlier this year and washed them down with half a bottle of champagne. I fell asleep and woke up at 5am being violently sick.”
Mario admitted he felt there was no way out when Lucy was falsely told he cheated on her with nightclub Sugar Hut “Honey” Amy Broadbent.
“Things weren’t good with Lucy and we’d been living apart for a week beforehand. I was distraught. Lucy was my world. She wasn’t just my girlfriend, she was my best friend.
“I thought, ‘I’ve definitely lost her over something I haven’t done’.”
Mario and Lucy went through a rough patch before she ended the relationship. Pic: The Mirror
Mario was too ashamed to tell Lucy what happened, until it came out in an argument a week later.
Lucy ended the relationship but told Mario she would always be there for him and Falcone said he doesn’t blame her for leaving him.
“I don’t blame her. She’s 21 with a business and her own life,” he said.
“She doesn’t need to be babysitting her boyfriend. She told me, “I’ll always be here for you”.”
Now, Mario has professional help for his mental health issues and is urging others battling depression to do the same.
Samaritans Ireland provide 24-hour emotional service to anyone who wants to talk.
