In a recent episode of Bravo’s reality series “Ladies of London: The New Reign,” Margo Stilley found herself grappling with an unexpected panic attack after a heated exchange with her co-star, Mark-Francis Vandelli. The incident unfolded during an episode that aired on April 23, where tensions had been simmering throughout the season.
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Stilley, an American actress who welcomed her daughter Della earlier this year, described the moment as a culmination of stress that she had been experiencing. Following a garden party miscommunication, which led to her labelling Vandelli as “weird and creepy,” the atmosphere turned charged. Vandelli responded by revealing the psychological toll the incident took on him, citing a history of being ostracised and misunderstood.
As the cast tried to mediate the situation, Stilley became overwhelmed, resulting in tears and a panic attack that prompted her to leave the event early. Speaking with PEOPLE, she shared her initial thoughts during the attack, recalling the confusion and fear she felt. “Am I dying? What the hell’s going on?” she reflected, marking the experience as her first encounter with such intense anxiety.
The reality star then opened up about the pressures she faced during filming. Stilley, 43, noted that her mental health had been declining, exacerbated by her experience on the show. “I wasn’t sleeping. On my days off, I would just lay in bed,” she explained, revealing that friends were growing concerned about her wellbeing. Encouragement from co-stars to be more humorous only added to her distress, making her realise something deeper was at play.
After filming wrapped, Stilley returned to Los Angeles, where her mental health continued to deteriorate. Despite being surrounded by family, she found herself increasingly distressed and crying persistently. It wasn’t until a friend suggested she might be entering perimenopause that she sought medical advice. A hormone panel revealed significant imbalances, prompting a journey towards recovery.
Reassured that she was not simply struggling due to personal failings, Stilley felt a sense of relief upon learning about her hormonal issues. With targeted treatments and therapy over several months, she began to feel a return to her former self. Moreover, she realised she had never fully processed her postpartum depression, nor the distress related to Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER) she had experienced while breastfeeding.
Reflecting on her journey, Stilley disclosed the overwhelming love she felt for her daughter mingled with crippling anxiety about parenting. The emotional struggle led her to seek help from a baby nurse to cope. Despite recognising these feelings were part of postpartum experiences, she initially remained unaware of their potential duration or severity.
In another twist, Stilley accepted a role on “Ladies of London: The New Reign,” viewing it as a new adventure that aligned with her move to London for a summer filming project. Initially cast as a ‘friend’, she was later promoted to a main cast position. However, she soon realised the demands of reality television were far more significant than anticipated, compounded by her previous mental health struggles.
Stilley currently splits her time between Los Angeles and London and maintains confident relationships with many of her co-stars. However, her relationship with Vandelli remains strained. While there is a possibility for reconciliation, Stilley acknowledges the hurtful exchanges made during filming and the necessity for personal healing on both sides.
Concluding her interview, Stilley affirmed her commitment to standing by her actions during the drama. “I stand by my behaviour… It’s not an excuse for anything but an explanation for why I had a panic attack.” As “Ladies of London: The New Reign” continues to air on Bravo, viewers can expect further revelations and developments among the cast.
In light of Stilley’s candid discussion regarding mental health, resources for those facing similar struggles have been highlighted. Individuals seeking support can access 24/7 assistance through calling or texting 988, or using online chat services provided at 988lifeline.org.