Shona McGarty Opens Up About Five-Year Battle With Depression and Anxiety Ahead of ‘I’m A Celebrity’ Return

Shona McGarty, best known for her portrayal of Whitney Dean on BBC’s long-running soap EastEnders, has revealed the personal struggles she has faced over the past five years, opening up about her ongoing battle with depression and anxiety. The actress, who joined EastEnders in 2008 and departed in 2024, is currently taking part in the new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in Australia, which returned to screens on November 29. While viewers watch her navigate the challenges of the jungle, behind the scenes, Shona has been quietly managing serious mental health difficulties, supported by therapy and medication.

The star first found fame as a teenager, catapulted into the public eye with her role as Whitney Dean. While acting from such a young age brought opportunities and recognition, it also brought immense pressure. Speaking candidly about her experiences, Shona admitted that growing up in the spotlight was “hard” because it fundamentally altered her life. She explained that the pressure to maintain a public image and hide her emotions as a young actress took a significant toll on her mental health.

In a recent interview with The Sun, Shona described her mental health journey as “horrible,” adding, “It’s been quite hard sometimes, and I’m sure a lot of people can relate.” She acknowledged that the entertainment industry often teaches young actors to present a composed front, a “fake it till you make it” mentality, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and stress. For Shona, this approach initially compounded the difficulties she faced with anxiety and depression.

Over the years, Shona has sought professional help, attending therapy sessions and taking medication to manage her mental health. She told the publication that this support has been instrumental in helping her navigate life both on and off screen. “I’ve had a little bit of therapy, I take anxiety and depression medication, which has really helped me. Growing up on the telly, it is hard because your life changes,” she explained.

In an interview with MailOnline, Shona went further into her experience, revealing that her depression and anxiety have been particularly severe over the last four to five years. The impact of these struggles has been profound, affecting her ability to engage in activities and pursue opportunities she would have otherwise embraced. She reflected on how her mental health challenges have at times limited her freedom, saying, “My anxiety and my depression has been pretty bad over the last, I’d say, at least four or five years. That has stopped me from doing a lot of things I’ve always wanted to do.”

Despite these challenges, Shona has reached a point in her life where she refuses to let her anxiety dictate her decisions or limit her experiences. She emphasized her determination to overcome the obstacles posed by her mental health: “I’ve come to a point in my life where I don’t want to let the anxiety win.” Her participation in I’m A Celebrity demonstrates this resolve, as she faces the physical and emotional challenges of the jungle while remaining open about her struggles, providing inspiration and relatability to viewers who may be experiencing similar issues.

Shona’s openness about her mental health has been widely praised for its honesty and bravery. By sharing her experiences, she is helping to destigmatize conversations about depression and anxiety, particularly within the entertainment industry, where young actors often feel pressure to maintain a flawless public image. Her story underscores the importance of seeking help and speaking openly about mental health, and she hopes that by doing so, she can encourage others to do the same.

In addition to addressing her mental health, Shona’s candidness offers insight into the unique pressures faced by actors who grow up in the public eye. Navigating adolescence and early adulthood under constant scrutiny is a challenge few can truly understand, and Shona’s reflections highlight the human cost of fame. Yet, through therapy, medication, and personal resilience, she continues to carve out a path toward well-being and self-acceptance.

Fans can follow Shona’s journey as she competes on the new season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, airing on ITV1 on Saturday, November 29, at 9:00 pm. Her openness and determination promise not only an entertaining experience for viewers but also a meaningful and humanizing narrative that goes beyond the typical jungle drama.

Shona McGarty’s story is a reminder that even public figures who appear confident and successful often face hidden struggles. By speaking out about her depression and anxiety, she offers both a powerful example of resilience and a compassionate message to anyone grappling with similar challenges. Her journey demonstrates that it is possible to pursue your passions, embrace opportunities, and confront fears—even in the face of long-standing mental health battles.

Through her honesty and courage, Shona is using her platform to inspire, educate, and connect with audiences in a deeply personal way, proving that vulnerability can be a source of strength and that seeking help is a step toward reclaiming one’s life.