Stacey Dooley opens up about suffering from panic and anxiety attacks

Documentary maker Stacey Dooley has revealed that she has suffered with anxiety and the occasional panic attack in her latest in-depth investigative TV programme.

The popular ex-Strictly contestant speaks honestly on the subject while talking to a man suffering with severe psychosis at the Springfield Hospital in London.

The conversation is one of many featured in her brand new, timely and vital new documentary Stacey Dooley: On The Psych Ward.

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During the BBC Three programme the man, who is under the influence of alcohol, becomes highly agitated. Staff tell Stacey that, for his own and others safety, he has been sectioned under The Mental Health Act.

“This guy is fully breaking my heart,” 32 year-old Dooley says after speaking to the man through a speaker system.

During the course of their chat, the man asked Stacey whether or not she had ever had any experience of dealing with mental health issues. She reveals how she answered the question, saying: “Me? Sometimes anxiety. I get that feeling.”

After speaking with the man, she addresses the camera on her own and summarises what was said.

“He said, ‘Stacey have you ever suffered with mental health?’ and I said, ‘Not to this extent but I certainly know what it means to have anxiety and panic attacks and things like that.’”

The documentary is the latest in a string of fascinating programmes that the broadcaster has made for BBC Three, having fronted documentaries for them for some 11 years now.

Stacey recently spoke to The Mirror, saying: "I think you have to take time out from all the heavy stuff, even though it's your passion and you love it so much. You have to keep time aside for life, which I haven’t done enough over the past couple years.”

She added that there have been times in the past when she didn't have enough work or money and would panic.

“I was doing three jobs. Doing telly, working in a pub and working in my pal's shop," she said. "I’ve never met anyone who has worked harder than me. I put the hours in and have taken advantage of opportunities.”

In this latest hard-hitting documentary, Dooley speaks to 70 year-old Christine, who has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for most of her life and teenager Kyle, who battles severe depression and suicidal thoughts. She also meets an anorexia sufferer who attempted to jump from a motorway bridge after starving herself for a fortnight.

You can watch Stacey Dooley: On the Psych Ward on BBC iPlayer now.

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