Gemma Collins has revealed her secret battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after she almost lost her beloved dad to Covid during the pandemic.
The former TOWIE star, 41, was also under tremendous stress at the time because she also almost lost her sprawling Essex mansion.
For the the first time, the GC has opened up about the traumatic period in her life, admitting that it felt like she had been thrown into 'hell' after her father became gravely ill after being struck down with Covid-19.
The reality TV icon also revealed that her bank accounts were frozen during the incredibly tough period, just as her house sale was about to go through.
During an honest Instagram Live with her close pal and small business owner friend, Andie, the GC detailed the stressful situation.
"This happened to me two years ago. The shock, the embarrassment, I couldn't sleep, I felt sick, I felt like I was dodgy, like ‘am I a criminal," Gemma explained as she spoke to Andie.
"You know what, the guy at the end of the phone, I was so distressed, I was crying on the phone, I was saying, I’m going to lose my house, I’m going to lose my house. They are reading from a script, no emotion, telling you, ‘go into the branch.’
“I couldn’t see my dad in the hospital. I went into the branch and the lady was very nice, I started crying in the bank. They didn’t care."
At a time when she was already in turmoil over her father's declining health, Gemma admitted that she was riddled with worries and anxieties that she would lose her dream Essex home worth a whopping £1.2 million.
During the Instagram Live, Gemma confessed that she has since been battling PTSD after the traumatic period in her life.
"I felt broken, I felt helpless, I felt despair. I just thought I cannot believe this is still going on," she explained.
“I never mentioned it to anyone. I was supposed to go to the financial ombudsman, but my father was dying. I was buying a house, which should have been an amazing experience.
“I was traumatised, really I’ve suffered PTSD over that experience. I know a few people it has happened to. Some big names on TV - they’re doing it left, right and centre.”
Earlier this year, Gemma reflected on a difficult 12 months for her family, sharing her gratitude that her dad recovered from coronavirus.
The reality TV star recently took to Instagram share a picture of her dad Alan smiling for the camera, saying she's "so lucky" he pulled through.
At the beginning of the 2021, Alan and Gemma's mum Joan Collins, caught the virus, and while her mum had more mild symptoms, the GC shared that her dad was 'fighting for his life'.
"We was so lucky my dad pulled through," Gemma gushed.
