Love Island star Adam Collard supported as he admits 'hardest year of my life'
The dad-to-be was backed by his fiancée Laura Woods and his friends after his emotional admission
Love Island star Adam Collard has bravely opened up on his battle with addiction and depression, as he labelled 2024 'the hardest year of my life. The 29-year-old, who is expecting his first child with his fiancée, sports presenter Laura Woods, shared a candid post with his one million Instagram followers where addressed his struggles.
The reality star, who first appeared on season four of the ITV dating show back in 2018 and then made a shock return in 2022 during season eight, told anyone struggling 'you are not alone'.
The fitness influencer wrote on Friday (January 3): "2024, the hardest year of my life. I've seen lots of amazing 2024 posts over the last few years... but if you're struggling right now, remember that Instagram is a highlights reel, and you are not alone."
Adam continued: "This year was tough, tougher than any before. Struggled with my mental health more than ever. Lost something important. Struggled with injuries. Suffered with addiction to painkillers and sleeping pills and justified it as 'it doesn't affect fitness' or because it wasn't booze.
"Got diagnosed with depression. Prescribed antidepressants. Lost family. Drifted from certain friends. Tried to reach out to people and failed. Felt lost."
However, dad-to-be then went on to share the positives of the year as he shared: "But with all of those things, 2024 was also the greatest year of my life. Remember you are always strong enough to reframe things and change the outcome.
Adam then reflected: "2024 was also the year I...started therapy and got over the feat of it. Travelled with people I love. Understood myself better and began to like me more. Reflected on things I'm proud of. Developed strong friendships. Made up with lost family. Proposed. Signed new contracts with brands I love. Went back on TV. Got rid of people holding me back. Built a bigger business. Found out I was going to be a dad. The highlight. Felt more love than ever."
He finished the heartfelt post by saying: "It isn't all sunshine and rainbows. But if you feel like you're losing everything, remember that trees lose their leaves every year, and they still stand tail and wait for better days to come. Stay strong. x".
Adam was supported by his fiancée Laura Woods after his emotional admission, as she commented: "Proud of you. You're going to be the most amazing dad x."
Celebs Go Dating expert Anna Williamson offered support as she wrote: "Always always here for you Adam," followed by a love heart emoji," as fellow Love Island star Laura Anderson said: "Amazing Adam. All my love."
Following the flurry of support, the reality TV star updated the caption of his post to read: "So many amazing comments, very grateful. Thank you to everyone for reaching out.
"Probably wouldn’t of posted this if I didn’t feel like I was on the other side of it a bit, but at the same time, wanted to show something different, authentic and vulnerable. "