David Archuleta: I had to be treated for PTSD after competing on American Idol

Yahoo!

Archuleta, who was just 17 when he came in second place on the 2008 seventh season of Idol, said he had to see a therapist who specializes in treating reality stars after appearing his season was over. "You’re basically a character on a TV show, and parts of it are worked so that it fits the TV show — but they’re using your personal life," Archuleta tells Yahoo! Entertainment. "So you become this character, but it’s with your own name, parts of who you actually are, but other parts that are portrayed in a way that you’re not actually." He adds: "A lot of the tension came because of the stress that the show created. They wanted to have something controversial to talk about. And there were times when I was really upset. I was young, and I was not good at speaking up for myself, so if the producers wanted to make something dramatic and to look a certain way, they would just do it. I couldn’t say anything about it. … I don’t think that’s OK. I have to sign a contract and whatnot to say of confidentiality and stuff, so I feel helpless, like I can’t do anything, because they have the power. And they let you know they have the power. If you say anything that will get them in trouble, then you’re going to be in huge trouble, and get sued, and all that. Then you’re stuck having to be the 'character,' as well as my dad become the character, and my family. They’re all at stake because of my choice that I made."