Little Mix ‘suffered’ with mental health after X Factor, says Jade Thirwell

'We were only 18 or 19 when we got thrown into the industry and it is a lot to handle'

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Little Mix’s Jade Thirwell has revealed the band “suffered” with poor mental health when they shot to fame immediately after winning The X Factor in 2011.

Speaking to The Sun at the British LGBT Awards on Friday evening, the 26-year-old explained the pressures of fame became overwhelming for the group, who were teenagers at the time.

“We were only 18 or 19 when we got thrown into the industry and it is a lot to handle,” Thirwell said.

“Maybe there could have been a bit more in place for mental health, we all have suffered in some way.”

The singer went on to explain how she felt intensely scrutinised by the media.

“As four young women getting thrust into the industry, having everyone talking about how you look, just the pressure of suddenly being here was a lot for all of us.”

Now, Thirwell said the band has found their “own way” to deal with the pressures of fame, including therapy and being open with one another about how they’re feeling.

“We’ve got each other,” she added.

Thirwell’s comments come after fellow Little Mix bandmate Jesy Nelson announced she would be making a documentary with the BBC about mental health and body image called Jesy Nelson: My Story.

The documentary, which does not yet have an air date, will explore how social media trolling and body shaming comments she received online took an emotional and psychological toll on the the 27-year-old musician.

Speaking about the programme, the singer says: “This is a project really close to my heart and I’m delighted to be working with the BBC on a documentary that will both challenge me personally and also highlight a hugely important issue affecting young people today.”