'Mormon Wives' Star Layla Taylor Shares Her Mental Health Struggles In The Hopes Of Helping Others
As one of the stars of "," Layla is using her platform to share her mental health struggles and to address comments made about her weight.
Layla recently took to social media to share some of her story, that includes self-harm, eating disorders, and issues with body dysmorphia.
Layla is breaking her silence about some personal issues she's experienced in the hopes of helping others who struggle with similar issues.
"Grateful I got to share some more about who I am and what I go through on the @secretlivesonhulu reunion. There's still so much left untold and I hope to share more one day when the time is right," she captioned an emotional video on Instagram.
"One of the hardest parts about battling mental illness and healing from extreme trauma is the feeling of isolation and for me not wanting to burden anyone in my life with my struggles. I hope by sharing what I have gone through and continue to battle I help one person not feel alone and that there's hope."
Her caption continued to explain that she's still dealing with some struggles but "will continue to fight through them."
"I'm still battling things today but will continue to fight through them for my boys," she continued. "I hope that in sharing my journey I show, I'm not glamorizing my struggles, but creating a safe place for all those that struggle with the same. Sometimes just feeling heard can save a life."
She concluded her caption with a message for others, "If you're ever dealing with thoughts of s3lf harm, suicid3, or eating disod3rds please reach out my DMs are always open. You never know what someone is going through, be kind. And for those currently struggling, you're amazing, the world wouldn't be the same without you and I'm proud of you."
The comment section of her emotional and vulnerable post quickly filled up with love and encouraging words.
Fellow "Mormon Wives" stars dropped into the comments to share some love.
Miranda McWhorter wrote, "I'm sobbing actually. You're so brave and the best mommy Lay! So lucky to call you one of my best friends." Mayci Neeley added, "Proud of you bb! ILY." Taylor Frankie Paul said, "You're so strong and have come so far all on your own, your boys are so lucky to call YOU mom." Jen Affleck shared, "Thank you for sharing your story ily." Jessi Ngatikaura added, "Love you," and Mikayla Matthews shared some hearts.
Fans also shared similar sentiments.
"Self-harm is very rarely spoken about publicly and you're so brave to share your story and your scars so publicly. Your boys are lucky to have such a strong brave mum," one person wrote.
Another added, "As someone who has struggled with self-harm in the past and have the scars to go along with it, thank you for sharing your experience and showing your strength. I have a little girl now and my only goal in life is to ensure she never has to know the kind of pain that we have experienced. Sending so much love your way."
During the reunion special that debuted on July 1, Layla talked about some issues that never aired on the hit Hulu show. A never-seen-before clip showed Layla discussing comments about her body.
According to Us Weekly, Layla told Demi Engemann, "I've been skinny my whole life though. I feel like everyone's concerned right now but I've been skinny my whole entire life." She confirmed that she still has issues with body dysmorphia.
She also said, that being called "tiny" just further encourages her eating disorder.
"For some reason, in my twisted brain I think I am going down the right track. That gives me an endorphin rush. Also just living in Utah, the need to chase perfection - when it's not attainable - is such a bad thing here," she said.
Layla discussed her past self-harm with Demi, addressing her scars.
"They're kind of visible but they're not too bad. I feel like I'm more insecure about those and it's just an image thing here,' she said. 'Because someone looks at them and they don't recognize what I've struggled with. They look at me and they judge.'
When Viall asked how she's doing now, she said she's has been "better" recently.
"I haven't self-harmed in a long time, which is good," she shared. "I got my scars removed and I'm trying to move past that."
Today is the day! The first-ever "Mormon Wives" reunion debuted on Hulu today, July 1.
Hosted by Nick Viall of the "Viall Files" podcast, one cast member was notably missing from the reunion drama - Demi Engemann.
Those in attendance at the reunion - Taylor Frankie Paul, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews, Layla Taylor, Jen Affleck, Miranda McWhorter, Whitney Leavitt, and Jessi Ngatikaura, as well as some of the DadTok crew.
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