Stephanie Davis, who plays Sinead Shelby in Hollyoaks has posted a video to her new YouTube channel to tell fans she has “high-functioning autism”.
The actress, who is currently taking a break from the soap, admitted she used alcohol to calm her anxiety and now she is learning about herself, she understands why she was doing it.
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She revealed she had posted the video in a series of tweets, explaining she wants to help others as well as come to terms with the diagnosis herself.
The star also said she has been diagnosed with other mental health issues but she doesn’t think she’s ready to talk about them yet.
So,I’ve started a new blog on YouTube. To talk about one of my recent diagnosis. I feel really nervous about this, I’m at the moment trying to get to know my self for the first time ever. It’s like the jigsaw pieces have finally fitted together. For all my life I’ve never felt
— Stephanie Davis (@Stephdavis77) November 18, 2019
Like I’ve fitted in. People say to me why share everything, but I feel like, what’s the point in going through everything I have if I can’t share it when I KNOW it will help others? I’ve already helped so many with my experiences in life and I feel like that’s my calling.
— Stephanie Davis (@Stephdavis77) November 18, 2019
It takes guts to be this open. I guess my mum & dad and family know that I’ll always do what I can to help people, always, they know I’m not ashamed of what I’ve gone through or talking about it & they respect that I want to be so open and honest. I guess that’s what makes me..Me
— Stephanie Davis (@Stephdavis77) November 18, 2019
I’m also so thankful to my family and brothers and friends as being so honest means they have to know people know about my struggles too. But there proud of me. And I love how much they support me. So, this is my first video about my first diagnosis. I don’t know if I’m ready to
— Stephanie Davis (@Stephdavis77) November 18, 2019
Talk about all of them yet, but baby steps. Here’s my first video. If you want to keep up to date with my blogs follow and subscribe xx https://t.co/Qw8oKITLFh
— Stephanie Davis (@Stephdavis77) November 18, 2019
In the video Stephanie talks about her fears and anxieties in social situations – which led to her drinking a bottle of wine before she’d even leave the house.
“I do believe it’s why I drank a lot more,” she explains. “I found it really exhausting.”
She says she now knows she was “self-medicating”.
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Steph also revealed how she’d always struggled with “social exhaustion” and that she never really felt like she fitted in anywhere.
Fans have been quick to offer their support to the actress, with many praising her for being so open and honest.
Well done for opening up. Autistic women present so differently to boys/men it’s important that it’s talked about more to raise more awareness/understanding.
— Emma. (@cloudburstttt) November 18, 2019
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Wow @Stephdavis77 just watched your first vlog on YouTube, you are so brave putting your private life out there to help others, and yes I have subscribed to your channel, wishing you every success in your life you deserve it, 😁💕🙌🏻 https://t.co/uyXGvZsD5O
— Sharron 😊💗 (@Sharronhhotmai2) November 18, 2019
I have high functioning Autism. I am a mother also. I was diagnosed at 8 years old. The amount of times people have said “you dont look autistic” is untrue. Well done for raising awareness. Autism comes in all shapes and sizes. The spectrum is so wide. So thank you 🧡 xxx
— Sophie Dale (@sophieedale) November 18, 2019
Stephanie also asked her followers for any advice they might have on coping mechanisms for her condition.
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