Eugenia Santana, a representative from Spain, rose to fame as a defining face in the 90s. She earned recognition in her homeland and captured accolades in the Canary Islands, becoming a notable participant in world-level pageants. The decade marked some of her brightest moments, even as personal struggles followed. Recently, she spoke on a popular Telecinco program about a past ordeal, revealing that she had been admitted to a psychiatric facility just days earlier.
I’m Lucia Candela, Miss Alicante 2023
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“I didn’t intend to reveal this, but the news is out. I’m not okay, I’m not at my best. This could be the hardest moment in my life, but one thing is clear: I want to live.” On the show, she described a visit by police to her home that led to her commitment to a psychiatric hospital. She explained that she was having lunch with a friend when officers arrived and insisted she be admitted, a moment she described as sudden and bewildering. She recalled stepping out in her pajamas, unable to change before leaving the house, and being taken to a facility that treats people with severe mental illness. She emphasized that her intention was not self-harm, but she faced a challenging process ahead. “Heading to the hospital felt like stepping into a difficult chapter, one that will require strength to overcome.”
The model recalled spending what felt like five hours in the center, staying through the night as she faced the implications of her condition.
Mental illness
While Santana did not share every detail about the reason for her admission, she spoke of a maternally inherited condition along with depression and bipolarity, identified as a disease that thickens the walls of blood vessels and disrupts blood flow to the brain. She acknowledged the fear of witnessing a loved one suffer and the worry for her own son, who depends on her. Her words reflected a deep concern for his well-being as she faced the emotional and medical challenges ahead.
The discussion touched on the weight of familial health history and the toll it takes on a public figure who often appears in the spotlight. The narrative underscored how mental health issues can intersect with personal trauma, grief, and the pressures of fame, shaping a person’s experience beyond what fans see on screen.
In another moment, Santana spoke of her mother’s death as a heavy blow that intensified her mental health struggles. She described her mother as a lifelong confidant and a remarkable, resilient woman who faced her own battles. The loss—and the inability to be with her during those final days—left a lasting impact. Meanwhile, public scrutiny and personal upheaval followed, including a separation from her husband after decades of marriage, a rupture that carried signs of conflict and even legal matters related to alleged violence.
These experiences contributed to a broader conversation about the pressures faced by those in the public eye and the challenges of maintaining mental health while navigating personal and professional upheaval.
Miss Alicante 2020: public figure with a challenging family history
The experiences described extended to Santana’s family, including connections to a prominent literary lineage and the difficulties of living with congenital conditions. The narrative painted a portrait of a woman who carried multiple roles—partner, mother, public figure—and who faced a heavy emotional burden in balancing personal health with public expectations.
Treatment
Santana acknowledged moments of misbehavior or, as she phrased it, doing things that seemed unusual or out of character. She cited troubling patterns that sometimes emerged, including emotional volatility and impulsive actions. Family members, themselves dealing with similar mental health challenges, guided her toward seeking professional help after observing certain behaviors. She described days when depression would surge, followed by periods of heightened energy, and times when the will to continue living seemed to fade.
The discussion highlighted the importance of timely treatment and the impact of supporting family in recognizing warning signs. It emphasized that reaching out for help can be a turning point, even when the path forward seems daunting.
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Abuses in the fashion industry
Santana spoke about the challenges faced by models who rise to prominence in the fashion world. She described experiences of harassment after achieving recognition and noted that offers tied to fame can come with strings attached. She stated that, at eighteen, she became Miss Spain and later faced pressures in the industry. Her account suggested that some advances were pursued with coercive or inappropriate intentions, and she made clear that not all offers could be trusted. The remarks shed light on a broader issue within a demanding industry and underscored the need for vigilance and support for models at all stages of their careers.
Overall, the narrative presents a multi-faceted look at public life, personal health, family dynamics, and the realities faced by individuals who navigate fame while managing intense personal challenges. The story underscores the importance of compassion, support, and access to proper care for anyone dealing with mental health concerns and the expectations that come with public visibility.