Belle Hassan has "struggled" with her mental health and had to step away from social media..
Belle Hassan
The former 'Love Island' star - who appeared in the ITV2 dating show's villa in 2019 - admitted she has endured "so many ups and downs" over recent weeks, and therefore decided to take a take a break from the spotlight to focus on her own well-being.
She wrote on Instagram: "I'm an extremely private person always have been, and when an issue arises if you know me you will know I'm always the strong one but the last few weeks I've struggled (sic)"
Belle admitted the social media environment had become unhealthy for her, as she's prone to constantly comparing herself to other people on platforms like Instagram.
She said: "I feel like it's about time I spoke out and was honest about my issues as normally I try to keep them quiet as I don't want people to think different of me.
"I've had a long hard battle with my mental health and so many ups and downs smiles and tears I'm okay one minute and then I'm not okay the next and as so many of you have asked why I've been so quiet on Instagram I thought I would just try to explain my self it's because in basic terms I've needed to take a break.
"A break from comparing my self from feeling like I'm not enough even to getting so consumed by what others are doing and posting. (sic)"
Belle insisted she doesn't want to be seen as "weak or some kind of victim", and the reality TV star now feels ready to reconnect with her followers.
She explained: "Just hope every one knows it's okay to take time out to look after your self and your mind social media can be a hard place. all I can do is better my self and work out my happy medium, but babies I'm back (sic)"