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TROLL TORTURE
MARIO Falcone appeared to have it all, a starring role on Towie, beautiful girlfriend, famous friends and a wardrobe of designer clothes.
But with his every move scrutinised by a TV audience of 1 million each episode, a baying mob of online trolls caused his life to come crashing down.
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The 30-year-old was certainly no angel during his time on the hit reality show and openly admits to “being an idiot” at the height of his fame.
But he says people forget the message that appears at the start of Towie explaining scenes may have been “created for your entertainment.”
He said: “You only see such a small part of what really happened because scenes are cut and there's so many other people involved.
“For you to then get your phone out and write to that person and say horrendous things to them without even knowing them – you’re the person who should be in the therapist’s office talking about your problems.”
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A false allegation that Mario had cheated on his girlfriend with a cast mate led to him being bombarded with vile abuse including death threats like "I hope you die of cancer" – shattering his hopes of ever living a normal life again.
Mario is speaking exclusively to The Sun as part of our You’re Not Alone suicide prevention campaign.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, we are encouraging people to recognise the signs to watch out for in themselves and their loved ones and to be open about their mental health in a bid to save lives.
Mario reveals the devastating effect social media has had – and continues to have – on his mental health and urges anyone contemplating taking their own life to talk to someone as things will get better.
He said: "At the time I was on Towie, I was very, very young and I was being an idiot on the show - that goes without saying. And with that came a lot of hate on social media."
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost - to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet, it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun has launched the You're Not Alone campaign. To remind anyone facing a tough time, grappling with mental illness or feeling like there's nowhere left to turn, that there is hope.
Over the course of this week, we will tell you the stories of brave survivors, relatives left behind, heroic Good Samaritans - and share tips from mental health experts.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. You're Not Alone.
For a list of support services available, please see the Where To Get Help box below.
But unbeknown to viewers, he was suffering with anxiety and depression and the torrent of criticism he received pushed him over the edge – with him attempting suicide in his hotel room five years ago.
Days afterwards, he told his mother what he had tried to do and spoke to her for the very first time about his mental health problems.
He said: “Imagine your youngest child turning round to you and saying ‘last night I tried to take my own life because I’m so upset and so depressed'.
“That’s the thing that upsets me most looking back now."
We spoke to suicide survivors and this is what they want you to know
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Mario says he has so much to look forward to now his fiancée Becky is expecting their first baby.
It was Tom Fletcher – married to Mario's sister Giovanna – that gave him the number of a professional he could speak to for help, which Mario credits with saving his life.
KNOW THE SIGNS From drinking too much to a lack of sleep...10 signs your loved one could be at risk of suicide
He now admits not telling anyone about his problems was his “biggest mistake.”
Mario urges anyone else struggling with their own mental health not to do the same after admitting “shame and embarrassment” stopped him from being open.
WHERE TO GET HELP
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM,, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind,, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,, 116 123
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'It's a dark cloud – you don't want to talk about it'
Today the star, who is about to become a father for the first time, says he’d be able to brush off the abuse he received thanks to the help he's had from his counsellor.
But he bravely admits he is still battling anxiety and depression.
Kerry Katona says cocaine addiction, bad marriage and money woes made her want to take her own life
He said: "It's five years on, but even today I could have a day where I still feel down, I do get myself anxious.
“I don’t know why I feel down; it can just come from anywhere. I can’t explain as to why it is it just happens.
“I have always described it as a dark cloud, you don’t want to talk about it, you feel it, it is always there but you crack on as if everything is okay.”
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Mario says he’s now more capable of being able to take a step back and accept he’s just having a bad day – while thinking about the positive things in his life.
He adds: “Not the things people focus on like Instagram, your house, your car – but Becky, I have a beautiful fiancée.
“I’m going to marry her in May - that is something to be so thankful for.
“I’ve got a baby on the way, another thing that I’ve always, always wanted. Those things get me through bad days.”
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Nowadays, Mario spends his time working on clothing brand Ricercato and working out in the gym – which he does twice a day and says is key to keeping his mental health issues in check.
He says he has no plans to return to Towie and is looking forward to starting family life away from the cameras.
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Like every first time dad, Mario is a little apprehensive about the prospect of fatherhood but says his excitement outweighs the nerves.
"Now I have to provide and put a roof over a baby’s head for years.
"I worry now but with regards to going back into a dark place when the baby comes, I have my coping mechanisms and will talk about how I feel so it doesn't become something bigger.”
In one final message to anyone suffering with mental health issues – and who maybe struggling to see light at the end of the tunnel – Mario says he’s proof life can suddenly change for the better and that giving up is never the answer.
Latest from You're Not Alone
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He said: “If you can’t talk to your family and friends, there are a lot of other outlets to talk to [see box above].
“See me as an example that however bad it gets it can get a lot better once you’ve addressed the problems.”
Hundreds gather to raise awareness for suicide and mental health during Walking Out Of Darkness event in Bristol
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