Tearful Vicky Pattison supported by pals as she slams vile trolls accusing her of ‘faking illness’
Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison has hit back at “pathetic” online trolls who dismissed her health struggles as “fake”.
The 37-year-old reality star took to Instagram to defend sufferers of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) after facing cruel comments about her candid discussion of the chronic health condition.
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that affects a small percentage of those who menstruate.
The condition is characterised by severe mood swings, depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness, alongside physical symptoms including fatigue and bloating.
These debilitating symptoms typically subside once menstruation begins, only to return with the next cycle.
Pattison, who discussed the condition on ITV Good Morning Britain and had previously spoken about PMDD in Parliament, shared emotional photos documenting her struggles with the debilitating condition.
In a candid Instagram post, Pattison shared images of herself in tears both in public and at home, alongside photos showing the effect of the condition on her body.
“For 7-10 days of the month I don’t recognise myself at all. It’s as if I’m watching someone else in my body trying to destroy myself,” she revealed about her health woes.
The 37-year-old said PMDD turns her into a “terrified little girl” and the “worst version” of herself.
The star admitted the illness “convinces me I am worthless.”
In her lengthy post, Pattison slammed those suggesting she was faking her condition, calling their comments “pathetic” and “ignorant.”
“That women who talk openly and honestly about their pain are fantasists, dramatic or just after attention,” she wrote, addressing the criticism.
The star urged critics to “grow up,” noting that women are too busy with “impressive jobs, busy social calendars, children, partners, pets, passions” to pretend to be struggling.
She condemned the “outdated and misogynistic rhetoric” surrounding women’s reproductive health conditions.
Pattison’s candid post received an outpouring of support from celebrity friends and fans alike.
Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts commented: “Sending so much love you gorgeous human. Heartbreaking reading that.”
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Married at First Sight star Jay Howard showed solidarity with red love heart emojis, while fans praised her for raising awareness about PMDD.
Pattison had previously revealed she was “fobbed off for years” by male doctors regarding her condition, and experienced a “depressed and hopeless” state shortly before her wedding this year.