‘The Bachelorette’ Fan Favorite Ben Opens Up About Mental Health
As Tayshia’s season of The Bachelorette unfolds, fan-favorite Ben opens up about his struggles with mental health and previous suicide attempts.
The Bachelorette‘s most recent episode, which aired Tuesday, December 8, surprised many fans as it revealed the contestants’ most vulnerable parts of themselves. However, one of the stories that resonated with the viewers was Ben, an army veteran who is at the top for winning over Tayshia’s heart.
After a fun one-on-one date during the afternoon, Tayshia and Ben went for a dinner date where she asked Ben for the next step in their relationship. With hometowns around the corner, Tayshia felt it was time for Ben to open up more as they prepare to meet each other’s families.
Hesitant at first, Ben fully opened to Tayshia as she patiently waited for him to express his emotions. As Ben mentions his sister, who he previously said helped him through an eating disorder, he described her as “the best person I know, and she’s saved my life in more ways than one.” Ben shared that 2018 was a challenging year for him as he dealt with a career change, a back injury, and a sense of loss. Ben expressed, “My life was very dark, and I didn’t know how to say that I needed things. I don’t know if you can relate with that, or how that can be. The only person I confided in was my sister, and I’m trying to give you the whole picture.”
So much credit and love to Ben. Highlighting vets and mental health. This show is having conversations they’ve never had before and these guys are catalysts for change for the future. #TheBachelorette
— Francesca (@BarstoolFran) December 9, 2020
Ben then revealed, “I had two failed suicide attempts in 2018 and 2019. I don’t mean to, like, throw that on you. It’s a weird thing to do here. My sister, she doesn’t know, and I guess she’ll know now.” Ben explained that he went through with therapy and stayed attentive to himself. He expressed that therapy helped him become a new and better person. Tayshia praised Ben for his bravery to open about such a deep past. She reassured Ben as she said, “And I’m still right here. I see you and I hear you, and that’s all I’ve been wanting. I’ve been wanting you to open up to me… you’re an amazing person.”
Proud of Ben for opening up like that on this show. It’s not every season we have as emotional and deep of stories as these guys but it’s nice, even though it’s hard, to be reminded that these are real people with real issues and remind us that we’re not alone #TheBachelorette
— Ria (@BarstoolRia) December 9, 2020
After the episode premiered on ABC, Ben took to Instagram to share the National Suicide Hotline with the caption, ” I love you. Tomorrow will be better.”
The Bachelorette Twitter account also shared by saying, “Thank you for sharing your story tonight, Ben. If you are struggling, or know someone who is, help is available. Call 1-800-273-TALK or head to http://SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.”
Thank you for sharing your story tonight, Ben. If you are struggling, or know someone who is, help is available. Call 1-800-273-TALK or head to https://t.co/qnCNjRvkhI. pic.twitter.com/Ys1Mffm4jG
— The Bachelorette (@BacheloretteABC) December 9, 2020
Mental health and suicide are topics hardly touched upon on television shows such as The Bachelorette. However, viewers praise the show and Ben for sharing such a resonating part of his past.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit the Suicide Prevention Lifeline website for help.
