Golden Bachelor’s Gerry Turner Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles Post Divorce
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Gerry Turner, famed for his role in the first season of The Golden Bachelor, has recently shared details about his battle with suicidal thoughts following his split from Theresa Nist. Turner’s raw admission is disclosed in his forthcoming memoir, “Golden Years: What I’ve Learned From Love, Loss, and Reality TV”. The 74-year-old reality TV star’s marriage to Nist ended after just three months, amidst a wave of public scrutiny. Turner has since found love again and is engaged to Lana Sutton.
In an exclusive excerpt obtained by TMZ, Turner revealed the intense emotional toll that the backlash surrounding his divorce took on him. He candidly expressed, “One night, while I was lying in bed and staring at the ceiling, it all became too much, and for the briefest moment, I thought about putting a gun to my head.” Despite these dark thoughts, Turner found solace in considering the impact his actions would have on his daughters, Jenny and Angie, ultimately preventing him from going through with it.
Turner, who typically adopts a resilient mindset towards negativity, admitted that this experience felt markedly different. The burden of public opinion weighed heavily on him, leading to a profound desire to escape his reality. In his memoir, he writes about fantasizing about isolating himself in a remote area of Alaska for a month to find reprieve from the overwhelming circumstances he found himself in.
The relationship between Turner and Nist began in August 2023 when Turner starred as the Golden Bachelor. Their whirlwind romance culminated in an engagement by the end of the season, followed by a wedding in January 2024. However, the fairy-tale was short-lived as the couple announced their decision to part ways on national television in April 2024, swiftly proceeding with divorce proceedings.
Amidst personal turmoil, Turner faced another challenge in December 2024 when he was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Despite this setback, Turner remained optimistic about his future, emphasizing that he felt physically well and was under careful medical observation. His positive outlook was reflected in his engagement to Lana Sutton, whom he affectionately introduced on social media as his perfect match.
As Turner courageously shares his struggles with mental health in the public eye, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help during difficult times. If you or someone you know is grappling with mental health issues, substance abuse, or emotional distress, reach out for support through resources such as the 988 helpline or visit 988lifeline.org for immediate assistance.
Gerry Turner’s journey underscores the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming adversity and finding love and hope amidst darkness. His willingness to share his vulnerabilities not only provides solace to those facing similar challenges but also ignites conversations around mental well-being and the importance of seeking help when needed. Gerry Turner’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative nature of love and self-discovery.