Will Mellor reveals he turned to alcohol and gambling to escape guilt

In the United Kingdom, actor Will Mellor has shared his experiences regarding the trauma caused by the loss of his sister Joanne, who died in 2012 at the age of 44. This loss, occurring 12 years prior, left a profound impact on Mellor's mental health. He has attributed his sister's death to preventable circumstances and described feelings of guilt stemming from his belief that he could have done more to help her. Joanne had both mental and physical disabilities, and Mellor often felt like her protector, which intensified his sense of responsibility in her care and ultimately his grief after her passing. Mellor candidly discussed how he struggled to process this grief, turning to self-destructive behaviors such as alcohol and gambling. He expressed that while he had a healthier emotional response to the death of his father, he found himself bottling up his feelings regarding his sister. By trying to protect those around him from the pain of grief, he inadvertently contributed to his own emotional turmoil. Talking about his struggles, he highlighted the importance of expressing emotions and seeking help, stating that conversations about grief should be normalized. Recently, on a television appearance, Mellor participated in an emotional exercise during a segment called 'man camp,' where he was prompted to discuss moments of heartbreak. This activity unexpectedly led him to tears as he confronted feelings he had not fully acknowledged before. This experience made him realize the need for external support, leading him to commit to therapy to address his unresolved feelings surrounding his sister's death. Mellor remarked on the importance of having open discussions concerning mental health issues and how seeing others share their experiences can encourage individuals to confront their own. In the context of greater societal issues surrounding mental health, Mellor acknowledged that while simple messages encouraging people to 'talk about it' may not feel beneficial for everyone, seeing real experiences unfold could have a significant impact on viewers and individuals who may be struggling themselves. He’s taken this call for discussion seriously and is now more motivated than ever to open up about his journey and advocate for mental health awareness.