Freddy Brazier's Harrowing Mental Health Journey
Freddy Brazier, the 21-year-old son of television presenter Jeff Brazier and late reality star Jade Goody, has made a startling revelation about his mental health struggles in a powerful social media post.
The Celebrity Race Across the World star shared that he attempted to take his own life two and a half years ago by deliberately crashing a car during what he described as a "manic episode."
From Crisis to Recovery
In an emotional video montage posted to TikTok and Instagram over the weekend, Brazier detailed his difficult journey with mental health issues that culminated in him being sectioned under the Mental Health Act in 2023.
"Started to starve myself and replace food with green," Brazier wrote in reference to using marijuana, describing the beginning of his downward spiral.
The young reality star revealed he suffered "episode after episode" before spending his 18th birthday in a psychiatric ward, painting a stark picture of his mental health crisis.
Turning Point and Newfound Purpose
Brazier shared that a significant turning point came when "something clicked in my head I needed to change!" This realisation marked the beginning of his recovery journey.
He credited several factors with helping him regain mental stability, including getting away from London, taking up boxing lessons, and surrounding himself with a smaller, more supportive circle of friends.
The post also highlighted the importance of his dog, healthier eating habits, and practicing self-love in his ongoing recovery process.
Family Reconciliation and Baby News
This emotional disclosure comes just a month after Brazier revealed he was expecting his first child with model and influencer girlfriend Holly Swinburn, while simultaneously dealing with homelessness and sofa-surfing.
The baby news appears to have played a crucial role in healing the highly-publicised feud between Freddy and his father Jeff. According to sources speaking to The Mail on Sunday, "It has blindsided Freddy and has been one of the things that has really brought him and his dad back together."
The reconciliation represents a significant development in their relationship, which had soured earlier this year when Jeff took legal action to prevent his son from seeing his maternal grandmother, Jackiey Budden.
Freddy had previously accused his grandmother of lying to him for years, though he had lived with her at one point.
Jeff Brazier publicly acknowledged his son's journey, sharing an Instagram story of them together on a blue sofa with a heartfelt message about navigating the "unconventional path" of parenting adult children.
Looking Forward
Freddy's baby, due in April next year, will be the first grandchild of Jade Goody, who tragically died from cervical cancer in 2009 when Freddy was just five years old.
The expectant father has already expressed his excitement about parenthood, telling The Sun: "I'm really happy, I want the baby to love its life." He also hinted that he might name a daughter after his late mother, saying "I think Jade would be a good name, if it's a girl, after my mum."
Freddy's older brother, EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, has described the baby news as a "team effort," showing family support for the young couple.
While Freddy and Holly had briefly split earlier this year, they have since reconciled and were recently spotted together at October's Pride of Britain Awards, with Freddy proudly resting his arm on Holly's blossoming baby bump.
If you're struggling with similar issues, support is available through the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org.
