Sophie Gradon: The Importance of Mental Health

Last month it was announced that Love Island star Sophie Gradon had tragically passed away at just 32 years old. Whilst her cause of death is still yet to be confirmed, friends and family's tributes sadly nod towards suicide.

Sophie shot to fame after appearing on Series 2 of the popular ITV show in 2016, and also got a taste of the spotlight back in 2009 when she took home the Miss Great Britain crown. She made Love Island history by being the first girl to couple into a same-sex pair with Katie Salmon, and was known for truly holding her own and continuously making a stand. She came across strong, well grounded, and famously delivered a heart-felt speech about equality and feminism when fellow contestant Zara Holland was de-crowned Miss GB after having sex on the show.

When the news of her passing started scattering around social media, I was shocked and deeply saddened at the news, and since then have regularly been searching her name on Google for answers. I knew straight away I wanted to talk about her passing, but was holding out until there was solid confirmation of what had happened. Unfortunately, two weeks later there don't seem to be any real answers, but statements from friends and fellow contestants seem to confirm the worst.

"Isn't it crazy how someone so stunning, so smiley and appeared so happy can feel no way out. The world we live in behind social media. I urge everyone to be kind to every person they meet and speak with on social media and in person. A simple smile, a simple nice comment, can really make a difference. You really don't know the battles they go through every single day. The world has failed you, beautiful. I'm heartbroken for you, Soph, to have felt this pain. I wish there was more help out there. Your smile will be remembered forever. My thoughts are with your family, friends and loved ones at this horrendous time. Too young, too sweet, too kind. I am sending all my love; I truly am, to everyone who had the pleasure of ever being in her company!" - Katie Salmon.

"You were only helping me battle the Twitter trolls yesterday. Rest in peace beautiful." - Holly Hagan.

"Awful awful news this morning. I am gutted. I am so sorry the world failed you. You were such an intricate, creative, intelligent soul. Words fail me." - Olivia Buckland.

Although many say it "looked like she was happy", Sophie didn't shy away from speaking about her anxiety and depression after she left the Love Island villa. But unfortunately, like most, wasn't taken seriously and spent years battling online trolls that definitely wouldn't have helped her inner demons. Since her passing, it seems that people are suddenly quick to care about mental health - but where were they for the last two years?

Speaking to a radio station just 3 months before her death, Sophie explained that the online trolls were "horrific".

“There would be so many negative comments. They are commenting on the way you look, the way you talk. They would come up with an opinion of you on a TV show where they’ve watched you for 45 minutes. And you’ve probably only be on ten minutes and its cut down from 24 hours. It was very hard to deal with because you take it like you’re being judged. It can really get into your mind and really affect you. The harsh reality is, it can end up with that person taking their own life. And as you’ve seen in the media, that is what happens. Can you imagine being responsible for that?” (x)

As well as this interview, Sophie often tweeted about her struggles, which were responded to with negativity and claims she was doing things 'for attention' - unfortunately this is a common reaction for mental health sufferers, from those that won't take the time to educate themselves and understand. In August 2016 she responded to a fan asking if she recommended applying for Love Island saying "Not if you suffer from anxiety or depression", in March 2017 she tweeted "Anxiety is real!", and in September 2017 she responded to a tweet saying she was "battling a little bit of depression".

Feel so guilty when my anxiety takes over, for not wanting to see or speak to anyone. Some days I get so overwhelmed I just want to nap!

— Sophie Gradon (@sophiegradon) October 16, 2016

We've unfortunately seen an array of different suicides in the spotlight, but it seems a large majority of people only seem to care when it's too late. This is why I started this blog, this is why i continuously battle for raising mental health awareness. We should be caring for our loved ones 24/7, and we certainly shouldn't be bullying people we don't know online?!

Sophie won beauty pageants, had people idolising her, worked with big brands, undoubtedly had a good income, and was in a loving relationship, but she still had depression. She still fought with her mental health, and is a prime example of the truth in "just because somethings invisible, doesn't mean it's not there."

Check on your friends, tell your family you love them, just be decent human being. Educate yourself on mental health and have patience and compassion for those that do suffer. My heart goes out to Sophie's family, friends, and also to any of you battling with mental health issues. Please, please, please remember that you are not alone. Far from it.

Image source: @sophiegradon