X Factor star Honey G has bravely spoken out about overcoming a terrifying ordeal which left her contemplating taking her own life.
The rap artist, real name Anna Georgette Gilford, shot to fame on the ITV talent show in 2016, and finished in fifth place in the thirteenth series of the programme.
Despite putting on a brave face and taking to the stage to perform live in front of millions of viewers every Saturday night, Honey G was seeking treatment after being attacked in 2004 whilst she was studying at university and running her own club night in Manchester, dedicated to promoting black female talent.
The TV personality, 38, was car-jacked, kidnapped and sexually assaulted 17 years ago and a man was subsequently convicted for the crime.
The police were able to convict the man without her being present at court as they had enough evidence.
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Honey G, who is currently writing her memoir to be published as a book, suffered a loss of confidence, panic attacks and spiralled into a dark place following the horrific ordeal which led to her attending Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) sessions to cope with the trauma.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star Online, Honey G revealed she wants to use her own experience and platform to help encourage people to speak out.
"I still suffer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and I did go through a rough time and it has affected me and [my confidence/self esteem] since," the musician said.
"But I have overcome the dark period of my life after speaking to people, getting help and attending DBT sessions.
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"My DBT therapist has said that I don’t need to attend the sessions anymore and I am in a much better place in my life.
"I never acted on it but I did suffer with suicidal thoughts so I want to let people know that I have been down but you can come out of it alive."
Honey G has decided to speak out about overcoming her dark times following the death of television presenter Caroline Flack, who took her own life on February 15 aged 40.
“It has been a sad week and I want people to know that they are not alone,” said the rapper.
“There is help out there and I am a product of the therapy that can help."
Honey G's mental health also spiralled following the death of her beloved grandma, who was the rapper's inspiration behind entering the singing competition.
"I suffered suicidality after my Grandma's death but it was following her death I was inspired to enter X Factor as weeks before she died she told me she wanted me to be a famous music artist."
Honey G, who comes from a musical background, admitted that starring on The X Factor brought back her confidence and passion for music despite being labelled a "joke" and "novelty act” by trolls.
The Honey G Show hitmaker, who is dropping her latest music video imminently, confessed that the team at Simon Cowell's talent show were "amazing" and were on hand to offer their expert advice.
“The welfare producer at The X Factor was there to look after all the contestants and I really couldn’t fault the team behind the scenes,” she said.
“I did receive some negative comments during my time on the show but it never got me down as the public kept me in for eight weeks consecutively.
"I have been through so much, so I just ignored the hate.
"I'm still in touch with Sharon Osbourne and I'm friendly with her daughter Kelly."
Honey G, who is about to return to our screens next month in a special project on Channel 5, has teamed up with Mental Health Foundation which aims to create more awareness about the prevention of suicide.
You can call Samaritans for free at any time on 116123, email jo.samartians.org or visit mentalhealth.org.uk.
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