Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson opens up about mental health struggles in new documentary
The film will examine how online abuse affected Nelson's emotional wellbeing
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Your support makes all the difference.Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson will share her struggles with mental health in a new BBC Three documentary.
Jesy Nelson: My Story 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.
The documentary will also feature Nelson in conversation with young people who have been affected by mental health issues.
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.”
Fiona Campbell, controller of BBC Three, explains that Nelson was an apt choice to front a documentary on mental health issues given her prominent profile in the media and the public eye.
“As a young female in a successful girl band where intense scrutiny from the public is the norm, Jesy offers a unique perspective on the impact social media can have on an individual and their mental health,” she comments.
“It promises to be an eye-opening watch, full of universal themes which will no doubt resonate with our audience.”
While it’s not yet been announced exactly what mental health issues Nelson will explore in the documentary, she has spoken out about the kind of abuse she’s suffered online in the past, most of which has focused on her appearance.
In October, Nelson went on ITV’s Lorraine and recalled receiving comments like “oh she’s so ugly” and “she’s fat” in the early days of her career.
“What I used to think about myself completely changed,” she said. “Like I became so insecure. I believed everything everyone said.”
But the singer added that in recent years she – and her bandmates – have found ways to manage the cruel comments they receive online.
“I don’t know where the turning point was, but we’ve all just learnt not to care anymore.”
Last week, Little Mix's Leigh-Anne Pinnock also shared her struggles in light of negative comments she's received online.
Speaking to Glamour, the singer recalled uncovering racist remarks on Twitter after searching for her own name on the platform.
"Honestly, I regret doing that so much, but I'm here now and I'm so much stronger. I don't want to do that anymore. I want to be someone like 'she got through that' and honestly, I'm so proud of who I am."
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