Tyler West Reveals Severe OCD and Suicidal Thoughts After Childhood Trauma
Presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star Tyler West, aged 30, has bravely disclosed that he developed severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and contemplated suicide after witnessing a murder at just 14 years old. In a recent interview on the Man Made podcast with Pete Wicks, Tyler recounted the horrifying crime that occurred outside his home on the St Helier council estate in south London, an event that profoundly altered his life.
The Night That Changed Everything
Tyler described how he saw two men attack another man with a 12-inch knife, slashing his neck before he collapsed. Emotionally, he recalled the aftermath: 'I saw the men coming back out and then they're trying to put the body in a bag. And it was, it was horrible.' He and his mother rushed to help, with his mother applying towels to the wounds while Tyler stood over the victim's body. 'I was in hysterics. I was in shock. I couldn't feel the tears running down my face,' he said, highlighting the deep trauma that ensued.
Years of Isolation and Mental Health Struggles
For two years following the incident, Tyler became a recluse, unable to leave his bedroom and consumed by fear. He developed severe OCD, manifesting in compulsive behaviors such as:
- Keeping his bedroom in total darkness and refusing to open blinds.
- Avoiding the use of knives and forks at meals.
- Adhering to strict rituals, like making his bed, under the belief that failure would lead to harm.
- Experiencing intense anxiety around alcohol or violent media, fearing for his life.
This period led to missed school opportunities and profound isolation, with Tyler stating, 'I became such a recluse, not only in life, but also within my own head.'
Lowest Point and a Moment of Salvation
At age 17, Tyler reached a critical juncture when he found himself on a bridge near his home, contemplating suicide. He explained, 'I got to the middle of this bridge and Pete, I promise you now, I was standing there and I was like, "I don't know what I'm doing here".' A car horn from a passing vehicle snapped him out of his fixation, prompting him to return home. 'It's essentially a car horn saved me in that moment,' he reflected, emphasizing the importance of intervention during mental health crises.
Moving Forward and Personal Life
Despite these challenges, Tyler has found happiness in his personal life. After participating in Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, he began dating EastEnders actress Molly Rainford in 2023, and the couple announced their engagement during a romantic trip to Greece last August. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the long-term impacts of trauma and the resilience needed to overcome mental health struggles.
If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org for support.
