Fans across the globe were shaken to hear of the tragic death by suicide of Love Island star Mike Thalassitis in March this year.
And according to Beverly Hills psychologist to the stars Dr Reef Karim, reality television is facing nothing short of a mental health crisis.
In an interview with Monday's NW magazine, Dr Karim revealed why so many reality stars struggle with the psychological cost of instant stardom and why some are even driven to suicide after their 15 minutes are over.
The dark side of fame: Mental health concerns among reality TV stars has become a growing topic of concern in recent years. Pictured is Married At First Sight's Tracey Jewel
Dr Karim, who runs a mental health facility in Beverly Hills to treat celebrities struggling with handling or maintaining fame', added: '[Many reality stars are] either addicted or obsessed with fame and some will say it's the only thing that makes them feel alive'.
'Let's say a reality show wants to have a ton of drama. [Producers] are going to search for people that may have more emotional instability. But that drama and emotional vulnerability will often carry on once the show is finished,' he said.
The dark side of reality TV fame has been well documented in Australia, with former Married At First Sight star Clare Verrall recently revealing that she attempted suicide twice after appearing on the show in 2016.
'It's the only thing that makes them feel alive': Beverly Hills psychologist to the stars Dr Reef Karim (pictured) has revealed why so many reality stars struggle with the psychological cost of instant stardom
'I was so broken and scared, I wouldn't go outside,' Clare told Channel Seven's Sunday Night last month.
'I stayed in bed. I just didn't get up and... I just... I was having panic attacks. I mean, like, laying on the floor crying. Feeling like you're going to die.
'I got a lot of death threats. Just really specific threats
