Jamie Laing rushed to hospital thinking he was having a 'heart attack'

Reality TV star Jamie Laing has shone a light on his personal struggle with anxiety, marking the importance of World Mental Health Day (October 10). The 35-year-old, who left the Made in Chelsea cast in 2021, told ITV's that he experienced his first panic attack 14 years ago, after suffering in silence for many years.

Convinced he was having a heart attack, Jamie rushed himself to hospital, but doctors instead revealed a dramatically different diagnosis. Speaking with the TV show's presenters, he explained: "I took myself to hospital they said 'you're having a panic attack don't worry go home', I went home and that was the day that my life changed. I had anxiety that I didn't know what it was, didn't understand it, never spoke out about it."

Theexplains that panic is the 'most severe form of anxiety', which may give rise to panic attacks. Generally, these periods of intense fear may trigger a number of distressing symptoms including a racing heartbeat, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, a fear of dying and numbness or pins and needles.

They often last between five and 20 minutes, though some may last for up to an hour. Crucially, the adds: "Although panic attacks are frightening, they're not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm, and it's unlikely you'll be admitted to hospital if you have one."

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When asked why Jamie 'never spoke out' about his symptoms, he confessed he once felt 'ashamed' because he didn't understand anxiety and 'just wanted it to go'. The star continued: "It was there for many years until I spoke to a really great friend of mine who was best man at my wedding, a guy called Toby.

"I finally phoned him up and I got very emotional on the phone and I said 'Toby, something's wrong with me', and I was scared [about] what he was going to say. And he said: 'Don't worry Jamie, we'll go through it together.' And it was this echo back which was incredible and I suddenly realised that all these years that I'd been holding it in, why hadn't I spoken out about it?"

Jamie certainly isn't alone in this either. A 2024 survey from unveiled that more than 56% of people experiencing 'mental ill health' still feel ashamed. In light of this, Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, said: "Shockingly, our survey shows that over half of the population associate mental health with shame. That’s why we are campaigning, so more people understand that it really is okay not to be okay.

"No one should feel that they have to go through a difficult time alone. Not talking only makes us feel worse and we want those of us experiencing a mental health problem to feel encouraged to speak up. We are here to listen and help them access the support they need."

Echoing this, Jamie also emphasised the importance of speaking out about mental health, claiming that today (October 10) - being - is the perfect opportunity to do so. On , he continued: "And today is a prime example of an amazing day, that if you have a friend, a neighbour, a loved one, a sibling, an aunt, an uncle, someone who you haven't spoken to, or you feel is maybe potentially struggling, talk to them. Speak to them, because the easiest solution to helping yourself is speaking about it. And it's so, so, so important."

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email , visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.