Little Mix star Jesy Nelson: I wanted to 'erase' all memory of my younger self
The musician encourages fans to speak out if they have body or mental health issues.
Tuesday 30 July 2019 19:02, UK
Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has opened up about her body positivity journey, saying that she used to want to "erase" memories of her younger self.
The musician, who won The X Factor in 2011 with her band, has filmed a new documentary exploring body image and mental health.
In an Instagram post, the 28-year-old explained to her 5.4 million followers that she used to dislike herself as recently as six months ago.
She said: "I didn't see her as Jesy, I saw her as 'the fat one from Little Mix'."
Ms Nelson, who is originally from Essex, explained her emotional struggles alongside a photo of herself from her early twenties.
The singer said that she felt she was made to hate herself after being trolled online and encouraged her fans to follow her example in speaking out.
"I've made this documentary for 2011 Jesy and for anyone who might be feeling like she did," she said.
"Please if you are feeling how I did, SPEAK ABOUT IT. Talk to your family, speak to your friends, there's always help out there.
"Now when I look in the mirror, I don't see Jesy the fat one, I see Jesy the happy one!"
Nelson's fans reacted positively to the post.
One said: "I love you so much you are my huge insporation [sic] because I used to feel just like 2011 Jesy and now I am [sic] new me and I love myself because of you thank you Jesy ❤️"
Another fan commented: "You were always my favourite (although I loved you all)! I admired your strength and beauty because of what I saw that others ignored. Continue to slay young goddess!"
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Nelson's documentary, which has the working title Jesy Nelson: My Story, is set to examine how social media is having an impact on young people's mental health.
Back in October, she appeared on Lorraine Kelly's talk show and discussed how online comments had affected her in the early days of her career.
"What I used to think about myself completely changed," she said.
"I became so insecure. I believed everything everyone said.
"I don't know where the turning point was, but we've all [Little Mix] just learnt not to care anymore."