Helen Flanagan reveals details of scary psychotic breakdown after Scott Sinclair split

Helen Flanagan has revealed harrowing details of her psychotic breakdown.

The former Coronation Street star – who first burst onto screens as Rosie Webster in 2000 – began struggling with her mental health after splitting from her partner, Scott Sinclair.

Helen, 33, shared previously via social media that, from January to February this year, she was fighting a battle with her own mind.

Now, the ex-soap star has opened up further, admitting that she saw her separation from Scott not just as a ‘split’, but as a ‘divorce’.

Consequently, she spiralled, with scary effects of her breakdown including her seeing things and feeling like she was in constant danger.

Speaking to The Mirror, she shared on her split: ‘We were together 13 years. But instead of processing it all, I threw myself into work and shut off my emotions.

‘I just went into survival mode. Then it all came to the surface earlier this year and I was mentally and physically breaking down.’ 

Helen then started taking medication for her attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

She suffered a bad reaction, which she describes as ‘really sad and very scary.’

‘I was seeing things and I felt like I was in danger all the time.’

What followed was further devastation. Despite sharing idyllic photos from her dreamy getaway to Bali with her children over New Year, she was in turmoil behind the scenes.

Helen – who has Matilda, eight, Delilah, five, and Charlie, three – wasn’t with her kids over Christmas as she ‘likes to be really fair’ and let Scott spend time with them on special occasions as well.

However, this ‘hit [her] really hard’.

‘The plan was for me to take them to Bali for New Year instead, and although I enjoyed it, I didn’t feel myself. I was struggling. I felt terrible when I got back, I was crying all the time, I felt so low,’ she shared.

Helen continued to hide the pain she was feeling from the world, and how much she was struggling as a newly-singly mum.

The child star – who split from Scott, 35, officially in 2022 – eventually sought help and her little ones went to stay with her mother.

Acknowledging that she wasn’t well enough to continue working at a fast-paced, Helen also pulled out of playing Miss Scarlett in the theatre tour of Cluedo 2 around this time, committed to getting better and putting her family first.

The actress was replaced by fellow former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach at the time.

‘I was having a breakdown, I couldn’t have travelled alone. I needed my friends and family, and to be there for my kids.’

Thankfully, she’s now in a much better place.

As part of her healing journey, the mum-of-three has reignited her love of exercise.

She’s also working hard to tackle her deep trauma.

‘I love work but my kids need me at home more. Having that time off was healthy, it changed my life in a way.’

Helen first spoke about her mental health struggles in March.

She penned on social media: ‘So basically I really struggled mental health wise December/ January,’ Helen began her post. I felt really not great in my head over Christmas and I didn’t really feel that much different when I took the kids away for new year. Had a lot of difficult things going on things I just can’t talk about on Instagram.’

She ended her post by saying that she’s ‘always been honest’ online, assuring her fans that she was ‘in a really good, happy place now’.

‘Therapy can be amazing and I feel like I’ve worked on myself with things that were quite tough to me but I feel lighter now.’

MORE : Coronation Street spoilers: Kevin makes a find that leaves him shaken and he is deeply worried

MORE : Coronation Street spoilers: George makes a massive decision as he fears losing all he loves