Gemma Collins has issued a statement to fans after the release of her powerful self-harm documentary on Channel 4 – and she’s “touched” with everyone’s support.
The 42-year-old TOWIE took to Instagram on Thursday night (February 17) to thank her 2.2 million followers for all of their support for the show.
It comes just after the GC revealed her traumatic self-harm struggles in her latest documentary – Self Harm and Me – which aired on Wednesday.
In the documentary, she said the first time she ever self-harmed was in front of her parents at the young age of 13.
(Image: Instagram/ @gemmacollins)
Gemma says she struggled with self-harming for two decades and used to hurt herself as a “release”, but she kept her mental health battles private as she was “ashamed”.
Catching up with fans, Gemma wrote: “Thank you so much for all your lovely kind words I have been very touched by your response and support and overwhelmed to find out how many families are going through the same and individuals please ask for help today,”
She also referred any struggling to fans to self harm organisation Harmless, adding: “you will be in safe hands @harmless_uk”
Speaking in the doc, Gemma said she didn’t self-harm to kill herself.
(Image: Channel 4)
The TV star said: “I wasn’t self harming to kill myself. It was to release.
“I’d cover it up and get on with my life. I never told anyone because I was ashamed.”
Gemma went on to say: “The first time I cut myself was in front of my parents.
“They were just in a shock. It was so bizarre and it never got spoken about again.”
Gemma also clashed with her mum Joan in the documentary after bringing up the topic of her self-harming.
(Image: Channel 4)
Joan revealed that her and Gemma’s dad Alan dismissed Gemma’s problems as they thought she was simply “copying someone from the television”.
The Dancing on Ice alum was shocked by her mother’s response and told her it was a “silly thing to say”.
Gemma told her: “I needed some help and support at the time. Yours and dad’s approach was to ‘let’s never mention it’.
Joan replied: “Life was busy.”
The TOWIE star fired back: “Yeah but what’s more important, life being busy or your daughter cutting themselves?”
Gemma Collins: Self-Harm and Me is available on All 4
For support on dealing with self-harm see mind.org.uk/selfharm or call Mind’s confidential Infoline on 0300 123 3393.
For further help or advice, please visit: https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/help-support
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
