Big Brother’s Chantelle Houghton breaks silence on ‘narcissistic and abusive’ relationship in emotional post
BIG Brother star Chantelle Houghton has revealed she was the victim of 'narcissistic abuse' in a past relationship.
The reality star, 39, bravely decided to speak out on Instagram last night in a bid to help other women going through similar situations.
She shared a picture of herself looking upset and dejected from the time of the relationship.
"I am really nervous to post this but having had so many women share their stories with me it gave me so much comfort to know that I wasn’t ALONE," wrote Chantelle.
"For so long I felt alone and isolated and I felt like no one knew what I was going through or how I was feeling…I’ve realised that sharing your story with others is so HEALING. By being brave and bearing my soul I really hope I can pass that comfort on to others out there and sharing my story will also help myself on my healing journey."
Turning her attention to the tearful picture and the memories it brought back, she continued: "The girl in the picture is me, I have been a victim of NARCISSISTIC ABUSE and COERCIVE CONTROL. It is part of MY history and I want to help others start their journey of healing and recognise symptoms.
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"Narcissistic abuse and coercive control is soul destroying, lonely, invasive, intrusive, feeling hyper vigilant, traumatic, destroys your sense of self worth, you no longer feel like the person you were, overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, confused, afraid, numb, nightmares, frightened, debilitating, dehumanising, degrading, anxiety….the list is ENDLESS. You are at the hands of your abuser.
"The pain I went through will be used to bring back hope and joy into other peoples lives and I AM proof that YOU can come out the other side. Women out there, I SEE YOU AND I HEAR YOU.
"I am not a VICTIM……I am a SURVIVOR."
Chantelle was praised by her followers and famous friends.
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Gemma Collins wrote: "Welcome to come to mine anytime xx ❤️
Fellow Big Brother alum Chanelle Hayes said: "This is so brave of you Chan. Sending you all the love ❤️❤️❤️❤️ xx."
While Lauren Goodger commented: "I feel you and get it 😢 hope your OK ❤️."
Chantelle won Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 after entering as a non-celeb who had to convince housemates she was actually famous.
She became a TV personality and appeared on shows such as This Morning.
A career as a glamour model followed and she released an autobiography following public interest in her love life.
In 2010 she went back into the Big Brother house for Ultimate Big Brother and finished second.
