EXCLUSIVE | Teen Mom 2's Leah Messer says addiction made her suicidal but she decided to fight the demons
Leah Messer became a public figure when she first appeared on MTV's '16 and Pregnant'. While she managed to gain the love and support of others, her life had been a journey. Right from dealing with mental health to gaining strength, Leah has come a long way. In an exclusive interview with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW), the reality star opened up about how her life changed over the years and what led her to talk about her mental health.
Leah revealed that she decided of turning her life around when she had reached a point where she was contemplating suicide. "I was contemplating suicide and driving wreck-less to take my own life that is when I knew I needed the help. That is when I realized my addiction had become a matter of life or death and my life was worth the sacrifice to be a better mother and woman in my community," she said. The reality star decided to fight her demons and in the end, came out as a hero. While deciding to lead the road to recovery was hard, Leah had not looked back since then. Leah admitted that she has also been honest to her daughters about her battle with addiction and is not ashamed to talk about it.
"During the writing process of my memoir and as they have asked questions, I have just been completely honest with them about it all. There is nothing to be ashamed of and what I want them to know how drugs can impact yours and your family's life. My girls just wanted to learn more and of course, accept me and love me as their mama no matter what challenges I have overcome in the past," she said. She recently wrote her book titled 'Hope, Grace, and Faith' which focuses on how she rose through the years. "My only hope being so vulnerable and open about mental health and addiction is that others NEVER feel alone or as though the judgment of others matters. I hope they reach out for the help and resources they are deserving of," she said. "That way they cannot just survive but thrive in their lives too."
While Leah had a hard time struggling with mental health, she is in a much better and confident space now. "I’m focused on my career and my daughters," she said while admitting that she is single. Leah also sheds light on her relationship with Jeremy Calver. The reality star revealed that they are good friends but won't be getting back together.
At the same time, Leah revealed that she follows the rule of waiting for at least six months before introducing her date to her daughters. She also added that the plans of having more children have changed and she is focusing on expanding her career. Leah also had advice for people who had been dealing with mental health problems amid the pandemic. With things getting hard at times, Leah wanted people to know what it gets better. "The advice that I would give anyone struggling with their mental health during this pandemic is that they not go through it alone. Find virtual resources to open up to and know that you’re not alone going through. Our mental health has to be a priority. Try Yoga, therapy, whatever it takes that keeps you healthy mentally and physically during such an unprecedented time for many," she said.
'Teen Mom 2' airs on Tuesdays at 8 pm ET on MTV.