Dr Alex George has revealed he’s taking a break from work after a ‘long and hard year’ in which he tragically lost his younger brother to suicide and battled Covid on the NHS frontline,
The former Love Island star, 30, took to Instagram on Sunday and spoke candidly of his decision to take some time for himself.
He posted the casual snap of himself, sporting a cream jumper and black joggers, as he opened up with fans about his decision to take a full week off.
Candid: Alex George has revealed he’s taking a break from work after battling Covid on the front line and losing his brother last year in a post he shared on Instagram on Sunday
The A&E doctor said that he was ‘aware’ he needed a break after the stress of the year began to ‘take its toll’.
Dr Alex has also become the government’s Youth Mental Health ambassador in the wake of his younger brother Llŷr’s tragic suicide in July last year at the age of just 19.
He said that it was important to ‘recognise when you are becoming stressed and acting on it’ and decided to take some time off.
Front line: The former Love Island star, 30, spoke candidly of his decision to take some time for himself after a ‘long and hard year’ during the pandemic
Honest: In his lengthy caption, which he shared with his 1.9million followers, he wrote: ‘It’s been a bit of an up and down week’
In his lengthy caption, which he shared with his 1.9million followers, he wrote: ‘It’s been a bit of an up and down week.
‘I always want to be honest with you guys and the last thing I want is for my page to be a highlight of good days, hiding the bad.
‘It’s been a long and hard year, which ultimately takes it’s toll. I have really felt it this week and I am aware I need a break.
‘It has been a privilege and an honour to work alongside you all’: Dr Alex heaped praise on his NHS colleagues as he marked one year since lockdown began on Instagram
‘I am taking a full week off from Tuesday. Recognizing when you are becoming stressed and acting on it, is so important.’
He added: ‘There are good times on the horizon as well as things I want to a achieve, most importantly in my role but also in my personal life and with my new brand (which I am rather proud of).
‘To be able to do this I need to look after my physical and mental health. Never be ashamed to take a break, when you need it.
‘I believe it’s a sign of self awareness and ultimately strength. Happy Sunday everyone and remember to be kind to yourself.’
Siblings: He took on the role in the wake of his younger brother Llŷr’s tragic suicide in July last year at the age of just 19 (pictured together at Alex’s graduation when Llŷr was 14)
Earlier this week, Dr Alex heaped praise onto his NHS colleagues as he marked one year since lockdown began.
He shared a throwback snap with his fellow medical professionals, saying it ‘has been a privilege and an honour’ to work with them during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In particular, Dr Alex thanked his fellow hospital staff for supporting him during the ‘hardest year of [his] life’, and said there will be ‘better days’ ahead of them.
The healthcare professional has been working on the NHS frontline at University Hospital Lewisham since the start of the pandemic.
In the snap, Dr Alex and his colleagues all wore masks and scrubs, they had yet to be given an adequate supply of PPI at the time, and the TV personality admitted they took the photo before knowing the importance of social distancing.
In March, Dr Alex shared his delight after £79million was approved by the government for youth mental health.
And although celebrating the good news and saying he was so happy ‘he could cry’, Alex also told fans that ‘the work doesn’t end here, this is just the start’.
In a candid interview for G2 in The Guardian last month, Dr Alex admitted that throwing himself into work has helped him to cope with his brother’s passing, as he still finds it ‘tough’ when he actually stops to think about it.
He said: ‘I think of grief as a little black box in my head. That box, it’s always in the house. You’re not focused on it, but it’s always there.’
If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
New role: As well as working in the hospital, Dr Alex has become the government’s Youth Mental Health ambassador and in March had £79 million approved for mental health services