Actor and Emmerdale star Alexander Lincoln has shared a searingly honest message about the grief of losing his dad at a young age.
The soap star, 25, posted a heartbreaking missive on his official Instagram account about feeling “numb” and “negative” after his father’s death one year ago.
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Talking to more than 7,000 followers on World Mental Health Day (October 10), Alexander wore his heart on his sleeve when he recalled the weeks and months after his dad tragically passed away.
Alongside an extremely cute photo of him as a kid in the arms of his beloved dad, he wrote: “It’s World Mental Health Day today. A day to highlight the struggle that many of us go through and to open up a conversation; because at one time or another, whether because of a catalyst or not, we have all struggled with our own mental health.
“Though I had never sought help before, after my father passed away I felt numb and I didn’t seek help for a long time.”
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He continued: “I felt like I didn’t need to talk about it all that much. I made jokes as a way of coping and I felt like that was me dealing with the loss and the overwhelming negativity.
“But now, after opening up more about it, over a year later I feel more set in my grief and I feel like I own it rather than it owns me.
“It’s an uphill struggle always, but with support from those around you and (most importantly) talking honestly and openly we can all get to grips with our own truths and find the light to show us through the dark.”
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He went on to encourage others to have sympathy, adding: “Show some support to someone who may be struggling, reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. It can make such a difference.”
Understandably, his followers were quick to show they were listening, with one replying: “Proud of you for speaking about this.
“In a world where people (especially men) struggle to speak about their mental health, we need people like you who have experienced loss and sadness to encourage people to do the same.”
Another said: “Brave words, well put.”
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Last Father’s Day, Alexander paid tribute to his late dad by sharing a photo of him when he was younger, and saying: “Happy Father’s Day to those who can celebrate in person and to those who can only bask in their memory.”
Alexander joined the cast of Emmerdale this year, as Jamie Tate, Kim’s estranged son.
He’s not the only soap star taking to social media to talk about mental health; former Corrie star Georgia May Foote has also opened up about her anxiety following an abusive relationship.
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