In a candid revelation, Tammy Slaton, star of the reality series *1000-Lb. Sisters*, spoke openly about her mental health struggles in an exclusive clip featured by *PEOPLE*. The 39-year-old has faced considerable challenges, which she attributes to mood swings and severe “manic depression” that have impacted her familial relationships.
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Recently, Tammy skipped a family trip to New Orleans, a decision she made amidst ongoing tensions with her sister Amy. She admitted that being around her relatives has heightened her anxiety levels, although she did not clarify her reasons with her family at the time. The dynamics of family interactions can often complicate emotional wellbeing, and for Tammy, this has been particularly pronounced.
In the clip from the upcoming episode, Tammy’s brother Chris expressed concern over her apparent disinterest in discussing the family trip. “I don’t understand that because not two or three years ago, that was where you wanted to go,” he commented. Chris further noted in a confessional that Tammy’s reluctance to engage was telling; it indicated that something deeper was affecting her state of mind.
As the conversation turned, Chris and his sister Misty attempted to shift focus by asking Tammy about her activities during their absence. In response, Tammy disclosed that she had been attending therapy sessions. This step towards professional help has become crucial for her, particularly after experiencing distressing mood fluctuations.
Tammy’s relationship with her then-girlfriend, Andrea Dalton, had reached a breaking point due to these outbursts, prompting her to seek treatment. She explained, “Since I talked to Andrea, I’ve had a couple of appointments for therapy.” This decision highlights the impact that personal relationships can have on mental health and the importance of addressing such issues proactively.
Her discussions with healthcare professionals revealed that the high dosage of medication she had been taking was unsuitable following her significant weight loss. “The medication was such a high dose for my bigger body, and now that I’m not so big, it was too high for my body size,” she explained. This underscores the often-overlooked significance of regular check-ups to re-evaluate prescribed treatments, especially following drastic lifestyle changes.
The changes made by her doctors were substantial; they discontinued five prescriptions that she no longer required and adjusted her remaining medications. Reflecting on this process, Tammy shared, “It just kind of put me in, I guess, a manic depression state and it was making me have a mental breakdown.” By recognising these issues and pursuing change, Tammy is taking powerful steps towards improving her mental well-being.
The discussion sheds light on broader themes affecting many individuals dealing with weight loss and mental health. Tammy’s journey illustrates the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, and the necessity for ongoing support and professional guidance in both areas.
Viewers can tune in to the new episode of *1000-Lb. Sisters* on Tuesday, 24 February, at 9 PM ET/PT to witness how Tammy continues to navigate her challenges and the progress she makes. As she opens up about her struggles, it is hoped that her story resonates with others facing similar issues, fostering a greater understanding of the complexity of mental health.