Television personality Rachel Riley has made a startling revelation about her mental health struggle following her participation in the popular dance competition Strictly Come Dancing back in 2013. The Countdown star recently disclosed that the intense pressure of the show triggered post-traumatic stress disorder, requiring professional intervention and therapy.
The Hidden Psychological Toll of Reality Television
While millions of viewers enjoy the glitter and glamour of dance competitions, Riley's experience reveals a darker side to reality television. The TV presenter competed alongside professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, who later became her husband, but the experience came with unexpected psychological consequences that lasted long after the final dance.
In a candid interview, Riley explained how the stress of performing on the high-profile BBC show developed into PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, according to the World Health Organization. While typically associated with military combat, serious accidents, or assault, Riley's case demonstrates how high-pressure competitive environments can also trigger the condition.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: The Path to Recovery
Riley credits cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with helping her process the trauma and rebuild her mental resilience. "My brain was storing information in the wrong place," she revealed, explaining how the therapy helped her reframe her thinking patterns. The treatment proved transformative in helping her understand her own perfectionist tendencies and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
"Before doing CBT I didn't realize I was a perfectionist," Riley admitted. A psychologist named Michael Carthy helped her recognize that not everything needs to be perfect, a realization that significantly changed her approach to challenges and setbacks.
Broader Implications for Mental Health Awareness
The television star's openness about her mental health journey comes as research continues to validate the effectiveness of trauma-focused therapies. A 2025 study from the University of East Anglia, published in World Psychiatry, found that trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy proved effective for children struggling with PTSD, even in real-world clinical settings beyond controlled research environments.
Professor Richard Meiser-Stedman, the lead researcher from UEA's Norwich Medical School, emphasized the significance of these findings. "Our work will influence how PTSD is treated in young people" across the UK and beyond, particularly for those who've experienced repeated or long-term trauma, he stated.
Riley's experience serves as an important reminder that mental health challenges can emerge from unexpected sources, and her successful recovery through CBT offers hope to others facing similar struggles. Her story highlights the importance of seeking professional help and the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments for trauma-related conditions.
