After a five-year hiatus, the iconic reality show that started it all, Big Brother, is making a comeback this weekend. The highly anticipated 20th series will feature a diverse group of strangers from all walks of life, who will be confined in the new house in West London for a duration of six weeks. ITV is revamping the show as the ultimate social experiment, returning to its original format from over two decades ago.
While this year’s contestants will receive more psychological support than ever before, there are still concerns about their well-being in this unique and downright bizarre social environment. MailOnline reached out to psychologists and even a former Big Brother housemate from 2001 to discuss the mental health strains that the contestants might face.
Dr. Sarah Bishop, a registered clinical psychologist based in Birmingham, highlighted the potential psychological challenges that housemates may encounter in the Big Brother house. She mentioned anxiety, stress, loneliness, mood swings, and more as common issues arising from living in such an environment. The constant surveillance, lack of privacy, and limited control over routines and interactions can lead to frustration, anxiety, and self-consciousness. The pressure to entertain, strategize, and perform may also take a toll on their mental well-being. Being away from loved ones for an extended period can trigger homesickness and loneliness.
Psychology professor David Wilson, who served as a consultant during the fifth series of Big Brother in 2004, emphasized that some contestants may face more challenges after leaving the house. The external focus on specific characters by the public may magnify pre-existing mental health issues, such as bereavement, addiction, or abuse. Issues that contestants may have only shared with close friends could become public knowledge due to the constant recording and scrutiny within the confines of Big Brother.
In a past article for MailOnline, Professor Wilson referred to the Big Brother house as an “institution” and criticized the show for promoting a climate of bullying. Former housemates and experts have also criticized the show’s format for becoming progressively worse in the pursuit of ratings. Laura Cartner, a star from the 17th series, claimed that Big Brother ruined her life, leading to anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder after leaving the house. Additionally, a Glasgow Caledonian University psychologist criticized the show’s decision to cast contestants with Tourette’s syndrome and histories of mental illness.
Dean O’Loughlin, who came in third during the second series of Big Brother in 2001, shared his personal experience of struggling with panic attacks when initially entering the house and suffering from paranoia after leaving. He described feeling like the goalposts were constantly being moved inside the house due to the constant elimination of people he had formed bonds with. The “stabbing in the back behavior” and voting others out each week also added to his struggle.
Fortunately, the show’s producers have increased the level of mental health support since the last series in 2018. Housemates now receive respect and inclusion training and have access to one-on-one mental health support sessions before, during, and after the show. All housemates undergo psychological and medical assessments prior to filming, including checks by independent doctors and information reports from their general practitioners. These changes represent a significant development in attitudes towards mental health and show a commitment to the well-being of contestants.
Big Brother 2023 prioritizes the welfare of all participants and has implemented strict duty of care protocols. These include a social media blackout, respect and inclusion training, and access to mental health support. Background checks, including an examination of social media by a specialized service, are conducted, and participants are extensively informed about the positive and negative implications of partaking in the show. Mental health professionals are available to offer ongoing support while in the house, and the welfare team maintains regular contact with friends and family.
As Big Brother returns to our screens, viewers can expect a thrilling, dramatic, and psychologically challenging experience for the contestants. With the increased focus on mental health and the well-being of participants, the show aims to provide support and strategies for overcoming the potential challenges that arise from living in such a unique environment.
Big Brother: The Launch airs on ITV1, STV, ITV2, and ITVX on Sunday, October 8th, at 9pm.
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