'I began to question the point of living'

Reality TV star Tanya Bardsley bravely opens up about feeling suicidal before receiving her ADHD diagnosis

- LISA BLAKE

Despite her life looking fun-filled and glamorous, former Real Housewives Of Cheshire star Tanya Bardsley has courageously spoken about her mental health struggles, revealing she tried to take her own life on more than one occasion.

During a recent live TV interview, she admitted, “I tried to commit suicide three times. Luckily, I’m very, very bad at trying to take my life, thank God.”

Tanya was diagnosed with ADHD in April 2021, shortly before she turned 40, and now an expert has told new that individuals with the disorder are at a greater risk of having suicidal thoughts.

Leanne Maskell, director of coach training company ADHD Works, said, “There’s a six times higher risk of suicidal ideation for people with the neurodevelopmental condition to those without, and one in four women with ADHD have attempted suicide. With NHS waiting lists of up to seven years long and private assessments costing £1,000+, it’s unsurprising that so many people with ADHD struggle with their mental health.”

Speaking to GB News, Tanya, 41, who is married to footballer Phil Bardsley, 37, also revealed she suffers from anxiety, but claimed that doctors “threw” antidepressants at her.

The reality TV star – who was on the medication for 20 years until 2021 – revealed, “That upset the chemicals in my brain, as well as the ADHD, which led to me having a breakdown.”

According to Leanne, people living with ADHD are “almost three times” more likely to be diagnosed with depression than those without the condition.