Note: This article contains discussion of post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and suicidal thoughts that some readers may find distressing.
Former Celebrity Big Brother contestant Roxanne Pallett has opened up about her mental health, and the recent relief that she's felt.
Posting on Instagram, Pallett said: "I want to open up about some things you may not know, as I’ve found there’s a lot of judgement out there with little knowledge when it comes to the story behind the character – so here’s mine."
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The ex-Emmerdale actress then spoke of many tragic events that still affect her, including the burning down of her family home when she was 16, her grandma's cancer and being in an abusive relationship while at university.
More recently, in 2009, her closest friend died by suicide. "Then in 2009 I got the worst phone call of my life. My best friend had taken her own life," she wrote.
Thankfully, Pallett was able to seek help. Following her putting her "pride aside", she was diagnosed with PTSD and Panic Disorder. She's now seeing a specialist for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) therapy.
And the CBB star has experienced some relief since her treatment began: "I feel like I’m finally coming up for air. I now pause before reacting. I look to myself before others. I reframe. So many are misunderstood because of their mental struggles."
Pallett faced controversy last summer after 'punch gate', which saw her falsely accuse CBB co-star Ryan Thomas of punching her. After leaving the house and apologising, she has kept out of the spotlight.
Although she returned to TV with Coach Trip, the show was recorded prior to the incident.
A couple of months back, she returned to social media, thanking fans for "all your messages".
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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