Jesy Nelson Opens Up About Mental Health Crisis That Led to Little Mix Departure
In a deeply personal new documentary series, former Little Mix member Jesy Nelson has revealed the devastating mental health struggles that culminated in her decision to leave the popular girl group in 2020. The singer shares that she attempted to take her own life shortly before announcing her departure, shedding new light on the circumstances surrounding her exit.
The Heartbreaking Revelation
In Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix, the artist speaks candidly about the overwhelming pressure she faced while in the band. Nelson explains that the intense demands of being in Little Mix severely impacted her mental wellbeing, leading to a crisis point where she felt she could no longer continue.
"I was so sad. I was so down," Nelson recalls in the documentary. "I knew after coming out of hospital that I mentally couldn't do it anymore."
The Overdose Incident
The documentary reveals that Nelson overdosed during the period when Little Mix were hosting their talent show Little Mix: The Search. At the time, it was publicly announced that she couldn't attend the finale due to illness, but the truth was far more serious.
Nelson was actually hospitalized recovering from the overdose, a fact that has remained private until now. Her mother Jan describes the terrifying moments leading up to discovering her daughter's condition.
"For a few days before, she had just been really down and not talking much," Jan Nelson recalls. "She wanted to be on her own quite a lot. I got a gut feeling that something wasn't right. I kept ringing and ringing, but there was no answer."
When she finally reached her daughter, Jan knew immediately that something was terribly wrong. "She eventually answered the phone and the way she was talking was really slurry. I heard the phone drop and didn't hear anything else - I knew she'd done something."
The Official Departure
Nelson officially announced her departure from Little Mix in December 2020, stating at the time: "Being in the band has really taken a toll on my mental health." The remaining members of Little Mix released their own statement expressing sadness at her decision while supporting her need to prioritize her wellbeing.
The group, which had been together since their formation on The X Factor in 2011, continued as a trio following Nelson's exit. The documentary provides the first comprehensive look at what was happening behind the scenes during this turbulent period.
Life After Little Mix
The docuseries not only explores the circumstances of Nelson's departure but also follows her journey in the years since leaving the group. It represents her most open discussion to date about the mental health challenges she faced while in the spotlight with one of Britain's most successful girl groups.
Nelson's revelations highlight the intense pressures faced by performers in the music industry and the importance of prioritizing mental health, even when it means making difficult career decisions. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost that can accompany fame and success.
