Former New Jersey "Housewife" Danielle Staub: "I need help"

(CBS) - Danielle Staub, a former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star whose unsavory track record earned extensive media attention, says she is seeking help for her psychological problems.

"I have addictions with love and low self-esteem, and I need help!" Staub, 48, tells People.

Staub explains that it was childhood sexual abuse that led her to have low self-esteem issues.

"My low self-esteem derived from childhood sexual abuse has messed with my mind and self-worth, and over the years I thought about getting help but pushed it deep into the depths of denial," she says. "For years, I have had the suicide hotline on my cell phone and would like nothing more than to free myself from this constant pressure."

Staub, who recently signed a three-year stripping gig with Scores in New York, according to TMZ, says she will no longer be performing at the gentlemen's club.

The mother of two tells People that she was "coaxed" into signing the contract by her former business handlers and has since "walked away" from the deal.

"I have to own my mistakes and can't blame others," she adds.

Staub will next appear on a food-related VH1 reality show with former "Bachelor" Jake Pavelka and Heidi Montag from "The Hills."