Kaitlyn Bristowe Shares How a Care Bear Was Her ‘Anchor’ amid Past Mental Health Struggles: ‘I Didn’t Want to Live’

Mar. 15, 2025

Kaitlyn Bristowe.Photo:Jason Davis/WireImage

Jason Davis/WireImage

Kaitlyn Bristoweis detailing how a Care Bear is a reminder of how far she’s come in her mental health journey.

“I had to move in with my mom and Rob when I was 27 and there I gotaddicted to Valium,” she continued. “The dr gave me a suicide assessment. I didn’t want to live. I wanted to numb myself and not wake up. I was full of shame.”

Bristowe said her stepdad got her the Care Bear and she slept with it every night while her mother would play YouTube videos for healing as she slept. Although her family reminded her how loved she was, “selfishly I didn’t think it mattered.”

Shortly after, the reality star said she started her therapy journey.

Kaitlyn Bristowe.Kaitlin Bristowe/Instagram

Kaitlin Bristowe/Instagram

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

She concluded her post, “I’ve never been more grateful for where I’m at in my life. This bear is almost like my little anchor. Maybe if you’re going through a tough time, find yourself an anchor, and over the years you can reflect on your resilience. It always gets better. I’m so glad I’m here.”

“I am just so grateful to the people in my life. Including this digital family,” she said.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

source: people.com