Melissa Rycroft has spoken publicly about her mental health struggles after being arrested for a second DWI in 13 months. In an Instagram statement, the former Bachelor contestant said she felt ashamed and embarrassed about the impact of her actions on her friends and family, and acknowledged that she needs help.
Rycroft said she had been overwhelmed by her mental health for some time and had tried to conceal how difficult things had become by putting on a smile. She said she had been dealing with it alone but is now receiving professional care. Rycroft asked fans to give her grace while she focuses on getting healthy, adding that she wants to feel like herself again for her family and herself.
In August, Rycroft pleaded guilty in a DWI case and was sentenced to 20 months of probation. Last week, Southlake police arrested her again after an alleged collision with a stopped ambulance on Halloween night. She was charged with driving while intoxicated, an accident involving damage of more than $200, and driving with an invalid license.
Rycroft rose to fame on the 2009 season of The Bachelor, where she accepted Jason Mesnick’s proposal before he ended their engagement. She later competed on Dancing with the Stars and won its all-star season in 2012. Rycroft and her husband, Tye Strickland, have three children.
Sources: Page Six.