Vicky Pattison: A Journey Through Anxiety and Advocacy Ahead of Strictly Come Dancing
Vicky Pattison, the well-known podcaster and television personality, is preparing to take on a significant new challenge. Recently announced as one of the contestants for the latest season of Strictly Come Dancing, the 37-year-old is excited but candidly admits to experiencing anxiety leading up to this major undertaking.
Aspirations on a Vision Board
The notion of dancing on television has long been a dream for Vicky. In fact, she had prominently placed a glitterball on her vision board for 2025, even go so far as to place her own image atop the body of fellow TV personality Gemma Atkinson. “Creepy, psychopathic behavior—guilty as charged!” she quips. However, having aspirations does not mean they come without stress.
Honesty in Mental Health
Vicky openly acknowledges her current feelings of trepidation: “I am a bag of nerves,” she states. “The scale of this show is immense, and I fear I might have taken on more than I can handle.” Despite this anxiety, she remains committed to pursuing her ambition, illustrating the nuanced relationship between ambition and emotional well-being.
Engaging Conversations on Mental Health
On her podcast, Get A Grip, which she co-hosts with Angela Scanlon, mental health discussions frequently take center stage. Recent episodes have explored personal topics, such as her experiences with therapy and the emotional journey surrounding fertility preservation. Vicky’s willingness to share personal struggles resonates, especially as she engages with her audience of 5.5 million followers on social media.
Advocacy for Women’s Health
Vicky’s advocacy extends to issues concerning premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which significantly affects her quality of life. After a lengthy struggle with her symptoms, she sought private medical advice that ultimately led to her diagnosis in August 2023. In her own words, she had felt dismissed in traditional medical settings, stating, “I was made to feel like I was hysterical.” Following her diagnosis, she addressed the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee, contributing to critical dialogues on women’s reproductive health.
Support and Personal Growth
When asked what support looks like for her during this challenging time, Vicky highlights her husband, Ercan Ramadan, as a source of strength. Their bond, which has grown since they met in 2019, features emotional and practical support as they navigate life together. “Having someone who understands me has helped me grow into a better person,” she explains.
Preparing for Strictly
As the demands of Strictly begin to take shape, Vicky is aware of the pressures she faces. Reflecting on her past experiences, she mentions her time on I’m A Celebrity, where she felt less pressure. “This time, I feel like I have a reputation to uphold,” she says, indicating that her anxiety stems from a desire to break away from past perceptions.
Facing Anxiety Head-On
This renewed pressure has prompted Vicky to return to therapy. “Maybe it’s a bit of imposter syndrome; maybe it’s working-class feelings of being undeserving,” she contemplates. Yet, she emphasizes that seeking help has clarified her emotional challenges. She advocates for open dialogue about mental health, stating, “We all need someone to talk to, and I’m a huge advocate for therapy.” Her intention is clear: to encourage others dealing with similar feelings to communicate their struggles openly.
Health Habits and Lifestyle Changes
On a practical level, Vicky has implemented various health strategies to manage her PMDD symptoms. While she regularly engages in weight training and Pilates, she acknowledges that her ability to keep up with the physical demands of dancing may require additional cardio work. She has made conscientious dietary choices, focusing on avoiding alcohol and caffeine while consuming nutrient-rich foods.
Looking Ahead
As she prepares for her upcoming role, Vicky reflects on her broader ambitions beyond dancing. “I want to bring attention to topics that society often overlooks,” she states passionately. With subjects such as women’s rights and mental health on her radar, her determination to pave the way for these discussions is unwavering.
Conclusion
Vicky Pattison’s journey is characterized by her ability to confront challenges, champion mental health awareness, and reshape perceptions about success and well-being. As she steps into the glittering world of Strictly Come Dancing, she remains a powerful voice advocating for herself and others, embodying the belief that personal growth is a continuous journey.
