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Yazmin Oukhellou is raising awareness of World Mental Health Day (October 10) by opening up about the tragic accident that killed her boyfriend, Jake McLean.
McLean died in a car crash in Bodrum, Turkey in July, aged 33, with girlfriend Yazmin also injured.
He is believed to have been driving at the time, before their Mercedes went over a 70ft cliff – despite the best efforts of emergency services, McLean’s life could not be saved.
Yazmin, 28, suffered serious injuries to her arm, previously revealing that she had to break her own arm in order to escape the vehicle.
The reality TV star has spoken publicly about her grief following the death of her on/off boyfriend, who also dated Lauren Goodger.
Now, she has shared a heartbreaking video taken shortly after the fatal crash, showing her crying in hospital.
McLean died in July after the couple’s car went over a cliff in Turkey (Picture: Instagram/Yazmin Oukhellou)
Sharing the video on social media, Yazmin said she was unaware she was being filmed by her mum at the time, but now looks back on it as proof of ‘just how far I’ve come.’
‘This was me at the lowest I’ve ever been in my life. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically,’ she began.
‘I’m sharing this today not only for World Mental Health Day but to also show you that with the right help and support you can and will get through anything.’
Yazmin shared a heartbreaking video from the hospital to raise awareness of World Mental Health Day (Picture: Instagram/Yazmin Oukhellou)
Yazmin continued to explain that something she has found difficult since the accident is ‘people saying they feel bad or sharing their problems with me as they seem small or silly in comparison.’
However, she was quick to remind her followers that ‘no matter how big or small something is, if it bothers you or makes you upset, it’s a problem and it is important.’
The influencer proceeded to encourage others to ‘talk more’ and ‘share your feelings,’ as well as practise breathing exercises, with the track Breathin’ by Ariana Grande playing in the background of her heart-wrenching video.
She worried she would never feel ‘normal’ again after the fatal crash (Picture: Scott Garfitt/REX/Shutterstock)
‘I want you to live each day as positively as you can & appreciate the little things,’ she said sweetly.
Yazmin also got real about the ‘awful’ days she’s had since losing her boyfriend, but that World Mental Health Day has inspired her to share more about what she’s been going through.
‘Since the accident I have some really awful days but I try to put a brave face on and post something positive. On my worst days you simply won’t hear from me at all. But World Mental Health Day has got me thinking that maybe I should be more real on here and share those times too which is why I have shared this today.’
She bravely admitted that she’s had days where ‘I didn’t think I’d ever feel normal again,’ adding that we should all ‘be a bit kinder’ to one another, as we ‘all struggle at some point in our lives.’
The Towie star now has therapy once a week to aid with her recovery (Picture: Instagram/Yazmin Oukhellou)
‘So today I want you to take a few minutes and think about YOU and your mental health. Ask yourself am I okay? Really? If the answer is no or if there’s even a slight hesitance I’d encourage you to speak to someone (a medical professional, family, friend or helpline).’
Yazmin concluded the post by revealing she now has therapy once a week with an ‘amazing’ therapist who has ‘truly changed my life.’
She declared how ‘proud’ she is of the progress she has made in a short space of time and urged her fans to feel proud of themselves too.
‘If you’re going through something awful right now just know you are loved and it won’t last forever.’
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Fans and famous friends flocked to the comments to heap praise on the star, with the likes of Demi Simms hailing her ‘inspirational to others.’
Yazmin previously admitted the consequences of the horror car crash will live with her forever, saying she needs to take her recovery ‘slowly.’
She told the Mirror earlier this year that doctors called her an ‘angel’ and a ‘miracle’ for surviving the accident, and she now looks at life ‘totally differently.’
Need support for your mental health?
You can contact mental health charity Mind on 0300 123 3393 or text them on 86463.
Mind can also be reached by email at [email protected].
‘I didn’t think I’d ever feel normal again.’