Reality TV personality Gemma Collins reveals in the first teaser trailer for her new Channel 4 documentary that she spent two decades struggling with self-harm.
The 41-year-old former The Only Way Is Essex star is the subject of Gemma Collins: Self Harm And Me in which viewers see her confront her “painful past”.
In the short clip, which shows her in what is understood to be a therapy class, Collins says: “I was getting overwhelming emotion and I couldn’t cope with it.
“It is something that I have buried for 20 years.”
In the film, Collins reveals her self-harm experiences to loved ones, including her mother Joan and boyfriend Rami Hawash.
In the trailer, Hawash says: “I was shocked. You done something to yourself. Why did you do it?”
Having kept the details of her struggles private, Collins is seen in tears, adding: “It’s not like a normal conversation you can have with someone.
“I never told anyone, because it was shameful, I was scared.
“I wish I was brave enough to ask for the help, I could’ve saved myself a lot of pain.”
It was previously revealed that Collins will explore in the documentary how bullying, self-esteem issues and the impact of social media can contribute to young people starting to self-harm .
– Gemma Collins: Self Harm And Me will air on Channel 4 and All 4 on February 16th at 9pm.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can freephone the Samaritans 24 hours a day for confidential support at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
Alternatively, the contact information for a range of mental health supports is available at mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support.
In the case of an emergency, or if you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or self-harm, dial 999/112.
