'People have said I pretend to suffer from anxiety': YouTube sensation Zoella reveals that she has been accused of LYING about her mental health to boost viewing figures 

  • Zoella says that she has been accused of lying about having anxiety on YouTube 
  • Says that some viewers have suggested she is trying to gain subscribers 
  • Zoella (real name Zoe Sugg) has spoken openly about her condition online 

By Martha Cliff for MailOnline

Published: 06:23 EST, 12 December 2016 | Updated: 07:46 EST, 12 December 2016

Anyone who is familiar with Zoella's videos will know that she is open about the fact that she suffers from anxiety.

However, the YouTube star has revealed that some commenters have previously implied that she is lying about her mental health to boost views.

Writing for The Sun Zoella, real name Zoe Sugg said: 'I’ve had comments about being too skinny and that I pretend to suffer from anxiety to boost my subscriber figurers. (sic)' 

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YouTube star Zoella has revealed that she has been accused of faking her anxiety in order to 'boost subscribers' 

However, the 26-year-old claims that this couldn't be further from the truth and she believes it is important to discuss the mental illness.

She continues: 'When I was younger and suffering with anxiety, I didn’t know what was happening or have anyone to talk to about it.

'It helps to have these conversations and share advice, so you can feel less alone.'

It can be hard to believe that this bubbly YouTube star, brimming with confidence and with over eight million subscribers could ever struggle with social situations.

Zoella (real name Zoe Sugg) has spoken openly about her condition on her YouTube channel on many occasions. Pictured with boyfriend and fellow vlogger Alfie Deyes 

However, Zoella, from Brighton has previously opened up about how she deals with her anxiety and prevents it from taking over her life. 

In an piece she wrote for Glamour magazine last year the vlogger revealed that she has been suffering from panic attacks since the age of 14.

She described how the attacks would leave her feeling suffocated.

'My initial symptoms would happen whenever I felt in a situation where I felt I couldn't leave. 

Zoella says she is keen to keep conversations about mental health going

'My heart would race; I'd feel sick; my breath was short and quick; I felt like the room was closing in on me.

'It's almost like a part of my brain is telling me that I CANNOT leave and I am stuck, even though my conscious mind knows that isn't true. The subconscious mind is far more powerful.' 

She has spoken about her anxiety on her YouTube channel on various occasions, giving advice on dealing with panic attacks and in October 2014 she became an ambassador for the mental health charity Mind.  

At the time Zoella described the importance of uniting those who suffer from anxiety.

'I know just how isolating it can feel to experience severe anxiety. However, the overwhelming response I've received every time I've spoken out online, shows just how many young people confront it every day.

'I am passionate about the need for everyone to feel okay to speak out, to talk to friends and family about what they're going through, to ask for help. 

'That's why I'm thrilled to be taking on my new role as Digital Ambassador at Mind. It's an opportunity to raise further awareness and to work with a charity I love.' 

 

 

 

  

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