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Real Housewives of Cheshire star opens up on health diagnosis

tanya bardsley attends the itv palooza 2022 on november 15, 2022 in london, england photo by jeff spicergetty images
Real Housewives star opens up on health diagnosisJeff Spicer - Getty Images

Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicide.

Real Housewives of Cheshire star Tanya Bardsley has opened up about being diagnosed with ADHD.

She said that it was like "living with 17 TVs on in my head at the same time" and is now focusing on raising awareness to help others after being diagnosed at 40 years old.

Speaking to GB News, she said: "It wasn't until my 40th birthday that I got diagnosed with ADHD, and everything sort of made sense, but leading up to that I've been to doctors the past 20 years about crippling anxiety and inner restlessness.

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"All the doctors and GPs just threw me antidepressants, which of course is like giving flu tablets to someone who's got a broken leg.

"So that upset the chemicals in my brain as well as the ADHD which led to me having a breakdown."

The reality TV star then revealed that the combination of the misdiagnosis and medication led her to attempt to take her own life.

tanya bardsley
David M. Benett/Dave Benett - Getty Images

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She is now raising awareness for the condition to hopefully help others who may need support.

"The turning point in my life was just being diagnosed and just knowing about it and being aware about it so I know when to rest, I know the tools to use.

"So I just think it's really, really important to get the message out there. Some people might not be depressed, they might not be anxious, it might just be undiagnosed ADHD."


We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.

Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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