Katie Piper shared a graphic and shocking photograph of her facial burns to Instagram to highlight the importance of opening up in honour of Mental Health Awareness Day.
In 2008, model Katie Piper was attacked with acid by her ex-boyfriend, which left her face with severe burns. She is also partially blind in one eye as a result of the attack.
Sharing the honest photo, Katie wrote, ‘I remember when I didn’t want to look at anyone. I remember when I didn’t want anyone to look at me. I remember when I was scared of people, scared of men. I remember when I was scared of the world.’
She added, ‘I remember when opening up to people and talking about my trauma and psychological damage just wasn’t possible.
‘Today on Mental Health Day my first meeting of the day is with my therapist. I still go, it still helps and I’m able to talk. Hold On Pain Ends’.
Her post received over 81,000 likes and an outpouring of positive messages from fans and followers.
TOWIE star Lydia Bright wrote, ‘You are such an inspiration Katie, very proud to call you my friend 💗’.
Presenter and DJ Ashley James added, 'You’re a real life hero. ❤️’
Read more: How to start a conversation about mental health with your children
Many fans praised Katie for her strength and resilience, with one fan telling her that her books ‘helped them personally’.
Since her attack, Katie has undergone 250 operations and launched the Katie Piper Foundation, a charity that supports those living with burns and scars.
She has written several books over the years, including 2011 book Beautiful, her autobiography that details the acid attack ordeal and how she fought back.
Last October, Katie spoke out about a Halloween trend that she feels is 'absolutely unacceptable', and something she hates seeing this time of year.
Katie Piper is also a mother to two daughters, Penelope and Belle, with her husband Richard Sutton, who she married in 2015.
Read more: Prince Harry and Ed Sheeran release hilarious video for World Mental Health Day
Speaking to Hello Magazine in September 2018, Katie said, “I feel completely fulfilled having our two girls and think they’re enough.
“If anything did change, I think we would adopt. It’s something Richie and I have talked about a lot and he’s always been open to that.”
