Photo: Christopher Polk/NBC/Getty
Katie Thurstonis opening up about her mental health.
On Saturday,The Bachelorettestar revealed onInstagramthat last year was filled with “highs and lows,” so she started taking antidepressants before her season aired.
Alongside a snapshot of Thurston, 31, taking a dip in a swimming pool and blowing a kiss at the camera, the star got candid in a lengthy post.
“To those who continue to show kindness, thank you,” she began. “Last year somehow feels like 3 years of highs and lows. I remember a producer texting me saying ‘the old Katie is dead and the new Katie will rise from the ashes.'”
“He was right about one thing. The old Katie did in fact die. But I was not some girl on fire. If anything, the sparks I once felt for life were doused with the judgement and criticism of not only strangers, but even ones I worked closely with.”
The Bachelor Nation star added, “I was drowning in my tears, unable to even recognize the girl in the mirror.”
“I started taking antidepressants for the first time before my season aired,” she revealed.
“If you’re reading this and you ever said something mean to a stranger online, I hope you reflect for a moment and reconsider hitting send next time,” she wrote.
She went on to thank fans who sent her uplifting messages.
Thurston concluded the post with a plea for kindness: “At the end of the day, we are all just people trying to coexist on this earth and make the best of our short lives. You’d be amazed on the impact putting positivity into the universe will have on your own life. Stay kind.”
Season 21Big BrothercontestantHolly Allencommented: “Louder for the bullies in the back! 🙌❤️ And yes to all of this! Hugs!”
Bachelor in ParadisestarJessenia Cruzadded, “The hard times will always make you stronger. Proud of you. ♥️”.FormerBachelorettestarKaitlyn Bristowechimed in, “Love you.”
Earlier this month, Thurston shared an update on her life in anInstagramvideo that showed her walking along the beach while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with Hersey.
“You’re gonna meet the happiest version of yourself, and it’s all gonna be so damn worth it,” the audio said as Thurston threw her arms in the air.
Thurston and Hersey met on theBacheloretteearly last year, although she sent him home in week 2. Previously the Washington native had gotten engaged toBlake Moyneson season 17 ofThe Bachelor, but theyannounced their splitin October.
RELATED VIDEO: The Bachelorette’s Katie Thurston Opens Up About Finding True Love with Fiancé Blake Moynes
One month later, Thurston’s rep confirmed to PEOPLE that sheis dating Hersey.
“It’s known Katie and John became close friends post-season,” the rep said in a statement. “John has been there for her through all the major changes in her life and they are excited to explore this newly found romantic connection.”
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
source: people.com
